Seuls en Scène: Princeton's French Theater Festival Celebrates Contemporary Voices

From September 12 to 21, 2025, Princeton University will host the 14th edition of Seuls en Scène, a premier French theater festival that brings celebrated French and Francophone artists to the U.S. Presented by L’Avant-Scène and curated by Florent Masse, the festival offers a dynamic platform for innovative performances and dialogues between European and American theater cultures. This year’s program, in partnership with the Festival d’Avignon and Festival d’Automne in Paris, emphasizes contemporary voices and bold new works that challenge, entertain, and provoke. 

Source: https://arts.princeton.edu/frenchtheater/

A Festival of Firsts and Futures

Seuls en Scène is renowned for introducing American audiences to avant-garde theater and for providing emerging French artists with their U.S. debuts. This year, the festival continues that tradition with a lineup that includes both established figures and rising talents. Performances will take place across various venues on the Princeton campus, including the Wallace Theater and Hearst Dance Theater, with all events free to the public (advance tickets required).

Highlights of the 2025 Program

Une Ombre vorace by Mariano PensottiThis Argentine playwright and director presents a compelling narrative that intertwines the life of a seasoned mountaineer and the actor portraying him in a film adaptation. The performance explores themes of identity, legacy, and the blurring lines between reality and fiction. Performed in French with English supertitles. 

Le Grand Sommeil by Marion SiéfertReturning to the festival, Siéfert collaborates with actress Helena de Laurens in a visceral exploration of adolescence and womanhood. The performance delves into the complexities of identity and societal expectations, offering a raw and powerful portrayal of the female experience. 

La Métamorphose by Franz Kafka, performed by Micha LescotCelebrated French actor Micha Lescot brings Kafka's classic tale to life in a musical reading-performance, accompanied by the electronic-acoustic fusion of Syd Matters. The performance offers a contemporary interpretation of Gregor Samsa's transformation, exploring themes of alienation and self-perception. 

Avignon Project 2026 featuring Marion SiéfertIn an exclusive event, Siéfert invites audiences into her creative process as she discusses her upcoming work for the 2026 Festival d’Avignon. This behind-the-scenes look offers insight into the development of contemporary French theater.

Réparer la parole — Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Actes Sud-PapiersA special panel discussion featuring playwright-directors Caroline Guiela Nguyen and Wajdi Mouawad, celebrating the legacy of Actes Sud-Papiers and its impact on French theater. The conversation reflects on the evolution of theatrical literature and its role in contemporary society. 

Engaging with the Festival

Beyond the performances, Seuls en Scène offers opportunities for deeper engagement through conversations with artists and discussions on the state of French contemporary theater. These events foster dialogue between creators and audiences, enriching the festival experience and promoting cultural exchange. 

Seuls en Scène 2025 stands as a testament to the vitality and innovation of contemporary French theater. By presenting a diverse array of performances that challenge conventions and explore pressing societal themes, the festival continues to serve as a vital cultural bridge between France and the United States. For theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike, Seuls en Scène offers a rare opportunity to experience the cutting edge of French theatrical artistry in the heart of New Jersey.

For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the official Seuls en Scène website.

Header Source: https://arts.princeton.edu/frenchtheater/