The Dead Poets Society returns to Théâtre Libre

Dead Poets Society, the stage adaptation of the American film written by Tom Schulman, returns to the Theatre Libre in Paris from September 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Directed by Olivier Solivérès, the production continues its run after a string of Parisian performances and a tour.

The story follows Professor John Keating, a teacher who urges his students to think for themselves and to break free from the rigid framework imposed by their academy. Around him, Welton Academy’s boarding students discover poetry, friendship, emancipation, and the chance to chart their own course.

In the role of John Keating, Stéphane Freiss reprises the character that Robin Williams made famous on screen. The French adaptation is by Gérald Sibleyras, based on the film produced by Touchstone Pictures and written by Tom Schulman.

The direction by Olivier Solivérès brings the film’s universe to the stage, in a form of contemporary theatre centered on transmission, group dynamics, and the relationship to authority. The maxim Carpe Diem, now inseparable from the work, remains the throughline of this adaptation.

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The show earned two Molières in 2024, for best direction and a breakthrough performance by a male actor. It was also nominated in several categories at the same year's Molières, confirming the prominent spot this adaptation has carved out in the theatre season.

The cast features Stéphane Freiss as Professor Keating, backed by a troupe of actors portraying the boarding-school pupils. Together they bring to life a coming-of-age tale in which literature, freedom of expression, and life choices intersect.

Dead Poets Society speaks especially to audiences who know the film, but also to viewers intrigued by stage adaptations of renowned works from cinéma américain on the theatre stage. The play runs at the Théâtre Libre from September 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027.

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