Come Prima: six evenings of musical theater in Jemmapes

Come Prima, Alfred’s graphic novel, which won the Golden Fauve at Angoulême in 2014, is being adapted into a musical performance at Espace Jemmapes in Paris. The Not Me Tender and Ciranda companies will present the adaptation on November 6, 7, 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2026, at 8 p.m. in the Salle du Canal.

In July 1958, Giovanni meets up with his older brother Fabio, a fading boxer, to share some important news. The two set off for Italy in a Fiat 500. The journey brings back memories, exposes the rifts in their family and reveals the lingering scars of political exile, against the backdrop of a society still shaped by fascism and the postwar years.

Laëtitia Grimaldi is responsible for the adaptation and direction, with Hélène Humblot directing the actors. The production notes promise sound effects created live onstage, a flexible set and French-Italian songs performed live. The move from comic book to stage thus draws on acting, voices and sounds to tell the story of the two brothers’ journey.

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Lionel Correcher plays Giovanni, and Helmi Dridi plays Fabio. Johann Poels and Mathylde Rio play the other characters. Created in 2023, the show runs for 1 hour and 10 minutes; the box office listing says it is suitable for ages 6 and up.

The six performances take place at 116 Quai de Jemmapes, in the 10th arrondissement. The Come Prima ticket office lists prices by audience category and availability. To continue exploring, take a look at our selection of musical theater in Paris.

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