Bérénice

Berenice, Carole Bouquet, La Scala, Paris
La Scala

Show ended

100% in French

Location

La Scala
13 boulevard de Strasbourg, 75010 Paris
Capacity 550 seats

Duration

1 hour and 30 minutes

No intermission


Details

Theatre

Suitable for all ages

In French with no surtitles


Highlights: Bérénice

 A breath of French culture awaits you at the La Scala Theatre. Jean Racine, one of the most famous French playwrights, along with Corneille and Molière, is back on stage with Bérénice, his tragedy written in 1670 in the French alexandrine poetic style, which combines a torturous mix of love and political necessity. Come and discover this very French play in the great tradition of classical theatre, that respects the unity of place, time, and action. You will enjoy beautiful text and declamation with the sublime Carole Bouquet in the lead role!

Story: Bérénice

In Rome, Titus, the emperor, and Bérénice, queen of Palestine, are in love. Antiochus, Titus' best friend, is also fond of the beautiful queen. Dreadfully, the Senate announces to the emperor that the Romans refuse to accept a foreigner as empress. Titus, not having the strength to announce this sad news, entrusts Antiochus with this mission. Does Bérénice escape? Will she succumb to the emperor's friend? The suspense remains. Come and discover the amazing theatre piece, Bérénice, at La Scala!

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La Scala

13 boulevard de Strasbourg, 75010 Paris

History and Fun Facts about La Scala

 

Wedged between hair salons and trendy vintage stores in Paris’ 10th Arrondissement, La Scala is a newly renovated “café-concert hall” hosting a wide variety of entertainment, including theatre, dance, concerts, and circus performances. Once the first major English-style music halls in France, now remade with state-of-the-art modular technology, the venue has undergone multiple makeovers since it first opened its doors in 1873. It made its humble debut as a Parisian guinguette, an intimate meeting place for drinking and dancing, but later evolved into a concert hall, theatre venue, and finally an art deco cinema. Perhaps the strangest chapter of La Scala’s history came in 1999, when it was purchased by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, who envisioned the venue as a meeting place for a religious cult. However, its neighbours protested, and Paris’ city council refused to give the church permission for its plans. La Scala was closed, lying derelict for 16 years.  

 

However, this changed in 2016 when the space was purchased by a pair of seasoned theatre producers. They transformed the space into a 550-seat modular theatre with technology to support the full range of performances they imagined for the space. Both its auditorium and restaurant feature designs from scenographer Richard Peduzzi, the man behind the Milan Scala, an opera house which has hosted nearly every great Italian opera singer since 1778. Inspired by this long heritage, Paris’ own imitation is now a gem of the city’s theatre scene with an impressively diverse programme of shows.

 

Fast facts
Capacity: 550
Handicap Accessible: Yes, though please contact us beforehand to ensure you get the best place.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

FAQ

How do I get to the theatre La Scala?

The theatre La Scala is accessible by the metro Strasbourg Saint-Denis (Lines 4, 8, and 9) and Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5). It is also possible to get to the theatre by bus by taking the line 20 direction Porte Saint-Martin or the line 32 or 39 direction Strasbourg Saint-Denis. Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the theatre weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.

What do I do when I get to La Scala?

We invite you to arrive at least 15 minutes before the beginning of Bérénice, and present your voucher at the front desk. The theatre’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

Is La Scala handicap accessible?

The theatre, La Scala, is wheelchair accessible. We recommend contacting us directly during the reservation to ensure comfortable seating location within the theatre.

Does La Scala have a specific dress code ?

For Parisian pieces, the dress code tends to be casual. It is common for Parisians to arrive directly from work, dressed in business-casual clothing.

How long does Bérénice last?

The show Bérénice lasts 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Can I take photos during Bérénice?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during the performance. However, you can take photos of the theatre before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous evening at the theatre!