Contes et légendes (Tales and Legends)

Directed by Joël Pommerat
Contes et légendes Theatre de la porte saint martin paris billets
Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin

Show ended

100% in French

Location

Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin
18 Boulevard Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris
Capacity 1020 seats

Duration

1 h 50 min

No intermission


Details

Theatre

Recommended for ages 14 and up

In French


Highlights: Contes et légendes (Tales and Legends)

Joël Pommerat invites you to experience a show that sheds light on the frustrations and tribulations of one of life’s greatest challenges - adolescence. Behold Contes et légendes (Tales and Legends) at the Porte Saint-Martin - a powerful and moving show that seeks to explore and elucidate the perplexing world of the modern teen. Shortly following his revolutionary work Ca ira (1) Fin de Louis, French director and theatrics extraordinaire Joël Pommerat now opts for a sensitive approach to the complexities of coming-of-age with a daring show that plunges itself into the intimacy of individual lives, human connections, and family relationships.

Story: Contes et légendes (Tales and Legends)

As a director with a legacy rooted in theatrical prowess, Joël Pommerat certainly doesn’t hold back in Contes et légendes - expect meticulously orchestrated scenes in which familial bonds, verbal violence, romantic dilemmas, and questions of gender coalesce in explosive vibrancy onstage. He adopts an anthropological lens to present a world not unlike our own, in which humans and androids coexist. Through this dichotomy, he transcends the banality of the artificial intelligence debate to deliver a sharp commentary on different modes of existence via a glittering constellation of sensitive and often humorous moments.

 

The cast, mainly made up of young novice actors, delivers some incredible scenes, bringing the teenage characters to life through exceptionally emotional performances. Pommerat’s direction foreshadows the future challenges set to face teenagers in coming years, as we begin to confront the growing influence of technology in day-to-day life - with a particular focus on the rise of artificial intelligence…

 

Contes et légendes offers a one-of-a-kind reflection on pressing contemporary issues, with attention paid to the impact of technology on the youngest among us. Outstanding accuracy is to be found in these characters as they navigate a dizzying new world alongside their loved ones. For an insightful delve into the mind and heart of the modern adolescent, stop by the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin to witness this deeply moving production for yourself!

Reviews

Funny, moving and gripping...
"Funny, moving and gripping, the artistic gesture here makes sense through its accomplished form, subtle writing and powerful acting." - Translated from the French rating
La Terrasse
A look at our societies...
"A terrible and virtuoso look at our societies, as disturbing as it is fascinating" - Translated from the French rating
Télérama TTT
Joël Pommerat "The fantasy of the real."
"Cruel, humorous, and remarkably embodied all at the same time..." - Translated from the French rating
Le Monde

Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin

18 Boulevard Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Porte Saint-Martin’s Theatre

 

The Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, a landmark building in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, has a rich theatrical history, marked by memorable plays that have enchanted audiences down the centuries. Since its inauguration in 1781, this theatre has been home to a host of famous actors, including the voice of the famous Sarah Bernhardt.

 

Classical plays such as Beaumarchais's The Marriage of Figaro have captivated audiences, establishing the theatre as part of the French theatrical tradition. Masterpieces by Victor Hugo, including Hernani and Ruy Blas, have also graced its stages, testifying to the importance of the Porte Saint-Martin in the spread of Romanticism in the 19th century.

 

The theatre has evolved with the times, hosting contemporary productions that have left their mark. Works by Marcel Pagnol, such as Marius and Fanny, have found an ideal setting for their performance here, adding a modern dimension to the venue's classical heritage. The Porte Saint-Martin has also been the setting for major events, such as the first performance of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac in 1897, a play that has become emblematic of the French repertoire.

 

The Porte Saint-Martin has also been the scene of major events, such as the first performance of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac in 1897, a play that has become emblematic of the French repertoire.

 

Today, this venue steeped in history continues to host a diverse programme, providing a stage for contemporary plays while preserving the legacy of the great classics. The Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin remains a cultural institution where past and present are inextricably linked.

 

Fast facts
Capacity: 1020
Handicap Accessible: Yes, please send us an email to the following address: hello@theatreinparis.com at the time of booking so that the theatre can welcome you in the best possible conditions.
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: No

FAQ

How do I get to Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement of Paris?

The Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin is accessible by:
Metro lines: Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin is accessible by the Metro lines 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, which run until the following Metro stations: Strasbourg Saint-Denis and République.
Bus lines: Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin is accessible by the bus lines 20, 38, 39, and 47, which run until the following stations: Arts et Métiers and Porte Saint-Denis.
In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin?

We invite you to arrive 1 hour before the beginning of Contes et légendes, and present your voucher at the front desk. The Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin’s English-speaking staff members will then guide you to your seats.

How long does the theatre piece Contes et légendes last?

Contes et légendes lasts approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, with no intermission.

Can I take photos during the performance of Contes et légendes?

In order not to disturb the artists on stage and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film, or record the performance for the duration of Contes et légendes. As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin to remember your night out by!

It says that Contes et légendes is in French with no surtitles. Is it still accessible to English speakers?

Contes et légendes is more suited to a French-speaking audience because it is performed exclusively in French. If you feel like you have the level of French to follow along—discover French theatre through this lovely piece!

It says that Contes et légendes is recommended for children ages 14 and up. What does that mean?

Contes et légendes presents situations that could upset the sensibilities of a young audience.

Where can I find the seating plan for the theatre?

You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.

Is there a dress code at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin?

There is no specific dress code at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.

Is there a coat check available at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin ?

At the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, there is no cloakroom. In order to ensure public safety, please note that a security guard service is present on site, and operates from the opening to the closing of the doors. Bags and coats are checked as per procedure.

Is tipping customary at Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris?

Tips are not mandatory in many Parisian theatres. However, ushers will usually appreciate a small tip of between €2 and €5, which you can give them when they’ve shown you to your seat.
Fun fact: the French word for “tip” is “pourboire”, which literally translates to “to have a drink”.

If I'm late, will I still be allowed into the show?

Shows at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin start on time. We recommend that you arrive early to avoid any inconvenience.

I bought tickets for Contes et légendes and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal! Your order will first be created as a pre-booking so that the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin can assign your seat. You may see a pre-payment on your card, but rest assured that we will not charge your card until your reservation has been validated by the theatre. Once the reservation is confirmed, you will receive your ticket by email.
Due to the large number of requests that the theatre has to manage, this process usually takes two business days, but can take up to six days maximum. If your order has not been validated after six days, it will be cancelled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.

How do I know if my seats are next to each other?

Tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.