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:
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]
The Marriage of Figaro: Mozart revisited backstage at the Palais Garnier
From November 15 to December 27, 2025, Mozart's Les Noces de Figaro will be staged at the Palais Garnier in a production that takes the action backstage in a contemporary opera house. [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]
Numéro Deux: the story of the man who was not chosen to play Harry Potter returns
Discover Numéro Deux, the play about the casting of Harry Potter, at the Théâtre Tristan Bernard until January 3, 2026. [Read more]
Le Spectacle de Cornebidouille: theatrical tale at the Montmartre Galabru
Discover Le Spectacle de Cornebidouille, a young audience adaptation of the albums by Pierre Bertrand and Magali Bonniol, at the Théâtre Montmartre Galabru from December 21 to 28, 2025. [Read more]
12 Hommes en Colère: the play adapted from Reginald Rose's novel is back - our review
"12 Angry Men," a French adaptation by Francis Lombrail directed by Charles Tordjman, returns to the Théâtre Hébertot starting September 25, 2025. [Read more]
Pride and Prejudice... or almost at the Théâtre Saint-Georges: the play is extended
Théâtre Saint-Georges hosts a brand-new adaptation of Orgueil et Préjugés, combining parody, music and caustic humor. A modern retelling in which five talented actresses and a musician plunge us into the whimsical adventures of the Bennet sisters, directed by Johanna Boyé. [Read more]
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]
La Peste: theatrical adaptation at La Scène Parisienne
The play "La Peste" (The Plague), based on Albert Camus' novel and directed by Augustin Grandgeorge, will be performed at La Scène Parisienne from January 12 to February 3, 2026. [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]
Peau d'homme: Laure Calamy in the cult comic returns to Théâtre Montparnasse
From October 8, 2025, Peau d'homme, the iconic work by Hubert and Zanzim, comes to life at the Théâtre Montparnasse in a creation by Léna Bréban. Starring Laure Calamy in the title role, this theatrical adaptation blends an initiatory tale, songs by Ben Mazué and choreography by Leïla Ka for a spellbinding new stage experience. [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]
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]
Le Horla: a classic play at La Folie Théâtre
Discover "Le Horla," an adaptation of Maupassant's work directed by Frédéric Gray, at La Folie Théâtre from November 13, 2025, to February 1, 2026. [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
