Theatre : a closer look at the 3 must-see shows of the moment

© Anne Colliard - Simon Gosselin

Theatre lovers are more than ready for this brand-new season. To help you find your way among the many shows taking over Parisian stages, the Do It Team has selected three productions guaranteed to put stars in your eyes. From a philosophical play starring some of France’s greatest actresses, to the stage adaptation of our beloved film En Attendant Bojangles, not forgetting Amadeus, the staggering story behind Mozart’s downfall brought to life through a spectacular production — true gems await. All that’s left to do is book the best seats fast before they sell out…

Who is it for ? Fans of the cult film of the same name, winner of 8 Oscars.

The show ? Ambitious in scope, this new adaptation is based on the brilliant text by Peter Shaffer, which inspired Miloš Forman’s masterpiece. We are in Vienna, in 1823. Antonio Salieri, a renowned musician turned official composer to the Emperor, steps forward to address the audience. Exhausted and consumed by guilt, he confesses to having used his power and cunning to sabotage the career of the brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart… ultimately leading to his death. Initially curious to meet the child prodigy, Salieri soon comes to see him as a threat : infinitely more talented, more charming and more joyful, Mozart seems to revel in life, while his genius compositions come effortlessly. But how can one discreetly silence such a virtuoso rival, whose laughter – as haunting as his melodies – increasingly captivates the Court ?

Why you’ll love it ? You don’t need to know anything about classical music – or even like it – to enjoy this dramatic yet wildly entertaining story. Against all expectations, Shaffer’s text, elevated by Olivier Solivérès’ spectacular direction – Molière Award winner for Le Cercle des Poètes disparus – tells the tragic destinies of these two men with great imagination and deliciously sharp dialogue. Two outstanding actors bring them to life. In the title role, Thomas Solivérès, known for portraying historical figures in Edmond and Les aventures du jeune Voltaire, plays a curly-haired, bouncy Mozart, mega(lomaniac) and committed, before descending into complete pitifulness at the end of his life. Jérôme Kircher embodies the self-proclaimed “patron saint of mediocrity”, made both despicable and strangely endearing through asides and gripping monologues that leave you glued to your seat. One after the other, these two will undoubtedly bring tears to your eyes, surrounded by a troupe of twelve other performers, including opera singer Flore Philis, who delivers stunning excerpts, notably from The Magic Flute.

Amadeus at Théâtre Marigny, Carré Marigny, Paris 8e. Until April 5. Tuesday to Thursday at 8pm, Friday and Saturday at 9pm, Saturday at 3pm (optional), Sunday at 3pm.
© David Delplace

Who is it for ? Fans of funky philosophy.

The show ? You’ve probably never heard this word so often. La Fin du Courage features five exceptional duos who take turns bringing to life the two main characters : a TV show host and an author — two women who seem opposed at first but gradually grow closer through conversation. They are portrayed by prestigious actresses such as Laure Calamy (Dix pour cent), Isabelle Adjani, Emmanuelle Béart, Sophie Guillemin (L'Ennui, Harry, un ami qui vous veut du bien), Isabelle Carré, Lubna Azabal and Rosa Bursztein. Across four acts and as many situations, each duo meets, talks and measures one another to confront their ideas. Presented as a staged reading, the play blurs the lines between moral meditation and theatre, questioning the place of courage in our societies.

Why you’ll love it ? La Fin du Courage is a thought-provoking show that never becomes boring. At the crossroads of theatre, philosophy and moral questioning, it is anything but a tedious philosophy lecture. The staging is lively, stimulating, deep and full of humour. Special mention goes to the grand finale atop a mountain — self-deprecating and unforgettable. The cherry on top? Watching these talented actresses perform live is a rare experience, leaving you amazed and eager to return to rediscover the play through a new duo.

La Fin du Courage at Théâtre de l'Atelier, 1 place Charles Dullin, Paris 18e. Until March 8. Five duos across multiple dates. January 17–25: Isabelle Adjani & Laure Calamy; January 28–February 8: Emmanuelle Béart & Sophie Guillemin; Isabelle Carré & Sophie Guillemin; Lubna Azabal & Sophie Guillemin; Lubna Azabal & Rosa Bursztein.
© Simon Gosselin

Who is it for ? Hopeless romantics with a soft spot for tragic endings.

The show ? After a film adaptation carried by an exceptional duo — Romain Duris & Virginie Efira, no less! — Olivier Bourdeaut’s novel En Attendant Bojangles finally makes its way to the stage. On stage, we rediscover the eccentric family and their endlessly festive daily life, set to the rhythm of Nina Simone’s song Mr Bojangles. United by a love that is both magical and dizzying, the parents raise their child as they please: immersed in pleasure, fantasy and madness. The mother leads the dance with her extravagant and unpredictable personality — until madness takes over and the inevitable draws closer. Father and son will then do everything they can to keep the dance going… at any cost.

Why you’ll love it ? The stage adaptation is just as disconcerting and poetic as the book or the film — no easy feat. More than a show, it is a true ode to mad love, the kind that makes you laugh as much as it makes you cry. What a joy to reunite with this slightly offbeat family and their bird, Mademoiselle Superfétatoire, in their whirlwind daily life. On stage, Charlie Dupont and Tania Garbarski perfectly embody this couple bound by contagious madness. Special mention for the scene of the parents’ first meeting — a favourite from Régis Roinsard’s film — whose theatrical adaptation is just as decadent. Both funny and moving, the play lives up to the film and the novel: one of those moments you never forget. You laugh while holding back tears, and leave with Nina Simone in your headphones to extend the magic just a little longer.

En attendant Bojangles at Théâtre de l’Œuvre, 55 rue de Clichy, Paris 9e. Until March 7. Thursday to Saturday at 7pm, additional dates on Sundays February 22, March 1 and March 8 at 6pm.
© Anne Colliard

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