Hécube, pas Hécube at Comédie-Française - La Comédie-Française

Location

La Comédie-Française
1 place Colette, 75001 Paris
Capacity 879 seats

Duration

2 h 05

No intermission

Details

Classic theater

For an informed audience

In French surtitled in English, French and French Sign Language

This show is surtitled in English with smart glasses!

Thanks to the “panthea.live” system provided by our sister company Panthea, smart glasses for surtitling are available for Hécube, pas Hécube! While the performance is in French, it is entirely accessible to non-French speakers and hearing-impaired audience members as the smart glasses allow viewers to experience the show with surtitles in English, French, and French Sign Language (LSF). This highly innovative technology is available exclusively by Panthea and Theatre in Paris.

Highlights: Hécube, pas Hécube at the Comédie-Française

We invite you to come and discover Hécube, pas Hécube, on the magnificent stage of the Comédie-Française, a Greek drama revisited by the Portuguese director Tiago Rodrigues.

Hecuba, Queen of Troy, is a tragic mythological character who has inspired many authors. Tiago Rodrigues, with his singular vision, offers us a new interpretation of this incredible character.
In this play, Hecuba is no longer just a victim of the Trojan War. She becomes a symbol of human resilience in the face of adversity. Exiled, enslaved, she bears witness to the cruelty of war and its consequences for individuals.

Far from the great epics, Rodrigues favours a more intimate approach, focusing on Hecuba's emotions and suffering. The director blurs the boundaries between past and present, mythology and reality. Through the character of Hecuba, Rodrigues questions the nature of violence and its consequences for societies.

Seneca's text, adapted by Rodrigues, is emotionally powerful. Rodrigues' direction breathes new life into this ancient myth. The themes explored in the play (war, exile, revenge) resonate powerfully with our contemporary world.

Hécube, pas Hécube is a play that invites reflection and emotion. It reminds us that the tragedies of the past continue to haunt us and that humanity, despite all its suffering, is capable of resilience.

Reviews

A superb show

‘A superb show, very well performed and subtly staged.‘ (Translated from French)

Catherine, L'Officiel des Spectacles user

Marvelous

‘A wonderful play that manages to tackle a heavy subject with great poetry and without being exempt from moments of lightness!‘ (Translated from French)

Bella Ducaire, SensCritique

Contemporary

"The writer-director has added a contemporary twist to the script and the ancient tragedy" (Translated from French)

Fabienne Arvers, Les Inrockuptibles

Fascinating

"The whole drama works like a well-oiled machine. It's clear, intelligent and fascinating." (Translated from French)

Hubert Stoecklin, Culture 31

La Comédie-Française

1 place Colette, 75001 Paris

History and Fun Facts about la Comédie-Française

Founded in 1680 by Louis XIV, the Comédie-Française is the oldest active theatre company in the world. This French cultural institution, often referred to as “the House of Molière”, is a true French treasure.

The Comédie-Française is renowned for its classical repertoire, consisting mainly of plays by Molière, Racine, Corneille and Marivaux. These works, which form part of France's literary heritage, are regularly performed on the stages of the Salle Richelieu and the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier (the Comédie-Française's other stage).

However, the Comédie-Française does not limit itself to the classical repertoire. It also presents contemporary works and adaptations of foreign texts. This dynamic approach underscores its dedication to innovation and its ambition to captivate an ever-growing, diverse audience.

The Comédie-Française troupe is made up of some of the most talented actors on the French stage. Trained at prestigious institutions like the Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique, these actors bring their characters to life with remarkable precision and profound emotion. It could even be said that they don’t merely perform their roles: they become the characters.
They are particularly renowned for their impeccable diction and their mastery of all theatrical techniques.

The Comédie-Française occupies the Salle Richelieu, located in the heart of the Palais-Royal in Paris. This Italian-style theatre, built in the 18th century, is one of the world's most prestigious theatres. Its salons, dressing rooms and stage have played host to the greatest actors and the finest plays in the French repertoire.
The Comédie-Française is globally acclaimed as a true ambassador of French culture. Its troupe frequently performs abroad and participates in international festivals, playing a vital role in promoting the French language and cultural heritage on the world stage.

The Comédie-Française is decidedly more than just a theatre; it is a true symbol of French culture. Its history, its repertoire and its actors make this institution a must for all theatre lovers. Whether you are passionate about the classics or curious to discover contemporary authors, the Comédie-Française is sure to win you over.

Fast Facts
Capacity: 879
Handicap accessible: Yes, please let us know at hello(at)theatreinparis so that we can inform the theatre and give you the best possible welcome.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat check: Free service

La Salle Richelieu - La Comédie-Française

Seating chart - plan de salle - La Comédie-Française