La Promesse de l'Aube, the adaptation of Romain Gary's novel at Théâtre de la Contrescarpe

A tale of absolute love between a mother and her son comes to life on stage... The Theatre Le Contrescarpe welcomes, from August 8, 2026, the adaptation of The Promise at Dawn by Romain Gary. The text, adapted and directed by Tigran Mekhitarian, is brought to life by three actors: Tigran Mekhitarian as Romain Gary, Delphine Husté in the mother’s role, and Léonard Stefanica, both actor and musician, in several parts. The show plays on Thursdays and Fridays at 9:00 PM, Saturdays at 4:30 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM.

An adaptation between memory and imagination

After revisiting Molière with contemporary stagings, Tigran Mekhitarian has chosen this time to adapt what he describes as"the most beautiful book in the world". The story highlights the relationship between a mother and son, from childhood in Poland to Romain Gary's destiny as a writer, diplomat and war hero. The staging relies on three performers who embody this journey, while integrating a live musical creation with piano and violin, reinforcing the show's intimate, poetic mood.

The play recounts the unconditional love of a mother willing to do anything to help her son achieve an extraordinary future. In the face of life's difficulties, she devotes all her energy and sacrifices to opening the doors to recognition and success. On stage, Romain Gary guides the audience through his memories, oscillating between narration, moments of intimacy and lyrical flights of fancy, while giving voice to the key figures in his life.

A personal and universal project

In this adaptation, Tigran Mekhitarian also pays tribute to his own mother, while making Romain Gary 's story resonate as a universal tale of love, transmission and perseverance. The combination of theater and live music gives this show a contemporary dimension, combining family memory and collective resonance.

This adaptation is aimed at audiences who appreciate great biographical frescoes, intimate narratives and stories borne of memory and literature. Fans of Romain Gary or of theater combining narrative and music should find it of particular interest. On the other hand, the show may be less suited to those looking for light comedy, family entertainment accessible to young children, or a plot focused on action rather than sensitive, literary evocation.

A new carte blance, after Don Juan and Le Malade Imaginaire

Théâtre Le Contrescarpe offers this show as part of a carte blanche given to Tigran Mekhitarian, after hosting his previous stagings of Don Juan and Le Malade imaginaire. The choice of La Promesse de l'Aube (The Promise of the Dawn) is thus part of a continuity of revisiting great literary texts and offering them to an audience curious to explore heritage works in a lively, contemporary stage form. A must-see for all lovers of theater and literature.

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