HEN - The Marionette Cabaret

hen-theatre-de-l'atelier-©christophe-raynaud-delage-marionette-in-paris
Théâtre de l'Atelier

Show ended

100% in French

Location

Théâtre de l'Atelier
1 place Charles Dullin 75018 Paris
Capacity 563 seats

Duration

1h 15min

No intermission


Details

Puppet Show

Recommended for ages 14 and up

In French


Highlights: HEN - The Marionette Cabaret

Do you fear the uncanny valley? Do mannequins, robots, dolls, and puppets make you feel a little uneasy? If your answer is yes… proceed with caution! But if your answer is no, then we promise you an amazing cabaret show at Théâtre de l’Atelier. With a plot line that seeks to question gender and identity, the groundbreaking show HEN is a masterpiece of puppeteering - that’s right, a cabaret starring a puppet! Intrigued? Book your tickets to step into a different world…

Story: HEN - The Marionette Cabaret

If one thing is sure, we are certain that you have never seen a show like this. HEN, which is the genderless personal pronoun in Swedish, takes to the stage of the Théâtre de l'Atelier to transport you to another universe. The marionette cabaret, HEN, is carried by a singular puppet, a transcendental character who is “neither transvestite, nor transsexual, nor transgender”, but a being “full of life, exuberant, a rabid and virile diva who expresses themselves by singing of love, hope, bodies, and sexuality with absolute freedom”, tells HEN’s director. Prepare yourself for an experience that surpasses social boundaries! On the programme are songs by Brigitte Fontaine, Serge Gainsbourg, Catherine Ringer, and more…expression, tenderness, irony. A subversive and unforgettable show.

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Théâtre de l'Atelier

1 place Charles Dullin 75018 Paris

Théâtre de l'Atelier


At the time of its creation in 1822, the Theatre de l’Atelier was located in an agricultural suburb of Paris, for the city had not yet expanded its gate to engulf the winding Montmartre neighborhood. Upon the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in the 18th century, the two French leaders were buried in a nearby cemetery. As payment for handing over his farmland for the usage of the royal burial, Louis XVIII granted the owner and his son authorization not only to practice theatre in the modest venues just outside the city gates, but to have autonomous control over the cultural realm exploding in the area. With his newfound authority, the farmer-turned-thespian and his son, an aspiring actor, founded many theatres in the area, including the Theatre des Mathurins and of course, the Theatre de l’Atelier.

 

During the 1848 revolution, the Montmartre Commune survived many management changes. Thanks to this, the theatre became a neighborhood favorite, bringing popular shows to the masses such as dramas and vaudevilles. Soon after in the early 1900s, Montmartre got a makeover and its grand reopening featured a performance by Sarah Bernardt. In spite of its success, the venue did not escape the cinematic takeover, and like many Parisian playhouses was quickly converted into a movie theatre in the early 20th century. Saved from its cinematic fate by new director Charles Dullin, the venue’s name was changed in the 1920s to reflect the name of the director’s theatre troupe, becoming the Théâtre de l’Atelier. Complete with a small upstairs bar for a pre- or post-show drink and snack, the Théâtre de l’Atelier has become a favorite element of the bohemian culture in the Montmartre neighborhood, frequented by locals and visitors alike.

 

Fast facts
Capacity: 563
Handicap accessible: Yes, please let us know when you book by sending us an e-mail to contact@theatreinparis.com so that we can inform the theatre so that it can welcome you in the best possible conditions.
Heating: yes
Air conditioning: Unfortunately, no
Coat Check: Yes

FAQ

How do I get to Théâtre de l’Atelier in the 18th arrondissement of Paris?

The Théâtre de l’Atelier is accessible by:
Metro lines: You can take line 2 to Anvers or Pigalle or line 12 to Abbesses or Pigalle
Bus lines: You can take the bus to the Anvers or Sacré-Coeur stops served by line 54.
Our customer service can be reached in case of difficulty from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, please consult the map above.

What do I do when I get to Théâtre de l’Atelier?

We invite you to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of HEN, and present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre de l’Atelier’s staff members will guide you to your seats.

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

In the event of a delay, spectators will be allowed entrance to the theatre but seating in the purchased category is not guaranteed.

How long does the theatre piece, HEN, last?

HEN lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission.

Can I take photos during the marionette cabaret performance of HEN?

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 HEN. As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the Théâtre de l’Atelier to remember your night out!

It says that this show is not recommended for children under 14. What does that mean?

Even if it’s just a marionette puppet, HEN may spit out a few nasty or shocking words for a young audience!

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

HEN is more suited to a French 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!

Does Theatre de l’Atelier have a specific dress code?

There is no specific dress code but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.

Is tipping customary at Théâtre de l’Atelier 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”.