Adapting a literary work for the stage requires us to rethink the work and recontextualize it within new spatio-temporal constraints. This creates a link between the writing of the past and that of today, sometimes between different languages and cultures. In and around Paris, many theaters offer new theatrical creations inspired by texts, novels, poetry and more...
What to see this week in Paris? Plays and shows not to be missed
Plays and shows to see this week in Paris: comedies, dance, humor, magic, cabaret... Our selection of must-see events. [Read more]
What a joy it is to see a book we've loved brought to life on stage! Every season , theaters in Paris and the Île-de-France region focus on adapting literary works. The richness of French literature opens up many possibilities for adaptation, and adaptors, directors and translators all seize the opportunity.
Seeing your favorite book come to life is an opportunity to re-discover it and perhaps understand the story differently. Theater offers a live experience, fundamentally different from reading a book, by seeing actors embody characters in flesh and blood, in real time. An emotional connection and immediacy is created with the audience. Each theatrical adaptation of a novel is a unique interpretation of the literary work, and plays with the senses through surprising scenographic and musical creations . Paris and the Île-de-France region offer a wide variety of plays, from classic to modern, so take advantage!
Numerous classical plays are presented in Parisian and Île-de-France theaters. An essential theatrical genre for lovers of culture and history! [Read more]
Numerous contemporary plays are presented at theaters in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Contemporary theater encompasses works created from the mid-20th century to the present day. An opportunity to discover modern creations, in tune with our times! [Read more]
You can find out more about not-to-be-missed literary adaptations for the stage here:
Chers Parents: the family comedy adapted from theater to cinema
Chers Parents, a comedy by Emmanuel Patron starring André Dussollier and Miou-Miou, will be released in theaters on February 25, 2026, and will open the Alpe d'Huez Film Festival. [Read more]
Once upon a time… the show: Maestro at the Renaissance Theatre
Once upon a time… the show, a stage adaptation of Albert Barillé’s beloved series, will be performed at Théâtre de la Renaissance in Paris on April 22, 23, and 24, 2026, starting at 2 p.m. [Read more]
Cyrana: Jean-Pierre Jeunet directs a new production at Théâtre La Manufacture des Abbesses
Cyrana, a play written and performed by Juliette Wiatr and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, is running at La Manufacture des Abbesses in Paris from March 2 to April 11, 2026. [Read more]
Dessiner encore: adaptation of Coco at the Théâtre Lepic
"Dessiner encore," based on the work of Coco, will be presented at the Théâtre Lepic from January 31, 2026, Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. [Read more]
Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Illusionist: a show full of magic and adventure
Arsène Lupin arrives at the Théâtre des Variétés in "Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Illusionist", a family show combining theater, magic and adventure, from October 5, 2025. [Read more]
Alexis Michalik's Edmond returns to the Théâtre du Palais Royal: our review
Edmond, Alexis Michalik's third play, premiered at the Théâtre du Palais Royal in 2016, is still running at the Théâtre du Ier Arrondissement. After more than 5 Molières awards, the play returns on August 21, 2025. [Read more]
Next time you hit the dust, with Vassili Schneider, returns to Paris in March 2026.
After a sold-out run, "Next Time You’ll Eat Dust" returns to Paris at the Théâtre Montparnasse from March 31 to April 17, 2026. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Panayotis Pascot and directed by Paul Pascot, the play showcases Vassili Schneider, the recipient of the 2025 Molière Award for Best Newcomer. [Read more]
Dernier coup de ciseaux: interactive detective comedy at the Théâtre des Mathurins
Discover "Dernier coup de ciseaux," an interactive detective comedy by Sébastien Azzopardi and Sacha Danino, at the Théâtre des Mathurins until June 30, 2026. [Read more]
Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Grand Point Virgule
Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles is on stage at the Grand Point Virgule until May 3, 2026, offering audiences a thrilling blend of the supernatural and sharp deductive reasoning. [Read more]
Molière’s Tartuffe or the Hypocrite performed in its original version at La Grande Halle de la Villette
Tartuffe or The Hypocrite by Molière, directed by Ivo Van Hove, will be staged at La Grande Halle de la Villette from May 21 to July 11, 2026. [Read more]
Diderot en plein cœur: comedy at the Théâtre Les 3 Clés
Discover Diderot en plein cœur, a comedy inspired by Diderot, at the Théâtre Les 3 Clés in Paris, running from January 20 to April 14, 2026. [Read more]
In Therapy: Francis Huster Takes the Stage at Théâtre Antoine
In Therapy, a stage adaptation of the beloved series starring Francis Huster, is set to be showcased at Théâtre Antoine from January 17 to March 15, 2026. [Read more]
The Three Musketeers at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal: an adventure for the whole family
Alexandre Dumas's famous fresco comes back to life at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal from October 11, 2025, in a lively, family-friendly adaptation by Jean-Philippe Daguerre and Charlotte Matzneff. [Read more]
What to see this week in Paris? Plays and shows not to be missed
Classical plays to see now in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Contemporary plays to see in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
