Kessel, la liberté à tout prix - Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère

Location

Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère
5 rue La Bruyère, 75009 Paris
Capacity 336 seats

Duration

1 h 20 min

Sans entracte

Details

Theatre

For all audiences

In French

Highlights: Kessel, la liberté à tout prix

Immerse yourself in the incandescent brilliance of an extraordinary life with Kessel, la liberté à tout prix, a gripping solo performance nominated for the Molière Award for Best Solo Show, which pulses with the breath of history and commitment.
On stage at Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère, from 8 September to 29 December, actor Franck Desmedt delivers a deeply moving performance as Joseph Kessel – writer, journalist, resistance fighter, and tireless defender of liberty.

Under the elegant and dynamic direction of Mathieu Rannou, the play retraces the path of an insatiable man who lived every moment with passion: from the trenches of the First World War to the bars of Montmartre, from Afghan trails to the backstage of the Resistance, Kessel strides through the century like a character in a novel – with flair, excess, and humanity.

This is no mere tribute – it is a dazzling encounter with the voice of a free man, author of The Lion, The Horsemen, and co-author of The Song of the Partisans.
The understated staging allows the full power of the text and the intensity of Desmedt’s performance to shine – authentic, embodied, and searing.

Kessel, la liberté à tout prix is an invitation to live upright, to think boldly, to love freedom to the point of vertigo.
A rare, intelligent, and inspiring moment of theatre.
Not to be missed.

Next dates

This show is in French!

The theatre piece, Kessel, la liberté à tout prix is more suited to a French-speaking audience because it is performed exclusively in French. If you feel like you have a sufficient level of French to follow along—discover French theatre through this lovely piece!

Reviews

Rich and captivating

‘It's an Indiana Jones-style epic, rich and captivating.’ (Transated from French)

L'Affiche

Exhilarating story

‘Franck Desmedt brings this exhilarating story to life with passion and talent.’ (Transated from French)

Le Parisien

Flair and mastery

‘A show written with flair and directed with mastery.’ (Transated from French)

Le Figaro

Flamboyant

‘Flamboyant. There is a magic to Franck Desmedt.’ (Transated from French)

Télérama

Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère

5 rue La Bruyère, 75009 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère

The Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris - the very same neighbourhood that houses the Palais Garnier, the home of the Paris Opéra, lending this prestigious district a reputation of grandeur and theatrical prowess. Unlike the Paris Opéra, the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère is an intimate venue little-known to tourists, complete with unique charm and a rich history. Founded in 1980, this theatre was once a cinema, giving it a distinctive ambiance and a sense of intimacy unfound in many of the capital’s more well-known stages.

From its opening day, the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère has offered a diverse programme, ranging from beloved pieces of classical theatre to innovative contemporary creations. Many renowned theatre productions have graced the stage of this remarkable venue, introducing audiences to captivating productions new and old and veritable masters of the craft. Whilst its original whimsy has certainly not been lost over time, the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère has inevitably evolved over the course of its existence. Successive renovations have improved the infrastructure whilst restoring its soul and character, maintaining its reputation as a dynamic space for creativity and theatrical innovation that simultaneously does not shy away from the evolving interests of a contemporary audience.

Today, this retro-style theatre remains a pillar of the Parisian theatre scene, attracting diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a theatre aficionado or developing a new-found passion, the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère will open the door to abundant possibility and creativity. Whilst it cannot complete with the grandeur of Paris’ most prestigious institutions, the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère retains its own individualistic charm as an untarnished pearl of Old Paris, and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of theatre enthusiasts across the capital and beyond.

A space that epitomises the diversity and richness of theatre in Paris, offering a uniquely cultural experience within a welcoming historical setting that is sorely missing from many Paris travel guides. A visit to a show at the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the 9th arrondissement of Paris - if you’re looking for a Parisian activity off the beaten track, why not pay a visit to this gem of the Parisian thespian scene?

Fast facts
Capacity: 336
Handicap Accessible: Yes - for handicap-accessible requests, please inform us at hello@theatreinparis.com so that the theatre can give you the best possible welcome.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère paris theatre tickets billets

FAQ

How do I get to Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère in the 9th arrondissement of Paris?

The Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère is accessible by:
Metro: Line 2 (Pigalle station), line 12 (Pigalle station and Saint-Georges station)
Address: 5 rue la Bruyère, 75009 Paris
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 Actuel La Bruyère?

We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of Kessel, la liberté à tout prix, and present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
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 last?

The theatre piece, Kessel, la liberté à tout prix at Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with no intermission.

It says that Kessel, la liberté à tout prix is in French with no surtitles. Is it still accessible to English speakers?

The theatre piece, Kessel, la liberté à tout prix is more suited to a French-speaking audience because it is performed exclusively in French. If you feel like you have a sufficient level of French to follow along—discover French theatre through this whimsical piece!

Can I choose my seat when booking?

When purchasing tickets for Kessel, la liberté à tout prix, choose your preferred category and you will be allocated the best available seats in that category!
Please note that 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.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

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

Is there a dress code at Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère?

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

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

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

Is there a bar at the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère?

The Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère has a bar that offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks and sweets.