Helena de Laurens' Experimental Opera Performance Le Saut du Lit Premieres in Paris

French performer Helena de Laurens premieres Le Saut du lit, an experimental opera blending dreams, music, and theater, performed with her bed at Ménagerie de Verre in Paris.

Helena de Laurens creates experimental opera

Helena de Laurens, a French performer known for her work in theater, dance, and performance art, has created Le Saut du lit, an experimental opera performance that premiered at the Ménagerie de Verre in Paris from October 28 to 30. The piece explores the intersection of dreams, opera, and the stage, with de Laurens performing in a unique collaboration with her bed, challenging traditional boundaries between music, dance, and theatrical expression.

Collaborators and roles

The performance features choreography, direction, and interpretation by de Laurens, with lighting by Manon Lauriol and artistic collaboration by Antoine Thiollier. Myriam de Aranjo serves as the vocal coach, contributing to the operatic elements of the piece.

De Laurens’ previous work

De Laurens, who has performed in works such as Le grand sommeil (2018) and jeannedark (2020), both written and staged by Marion Siéfert, is also set to appear in Cabaret Brouillon by Loïc Touzé in 2023. She has previously worked with Thibaud Croisy in productions including L’Homosexuel ou la difficulté de s’exprimer (2022) and La Maison de Bernarda Alba (2026).

Personal reflections on performance

In an interview, de Laurens discussed her approach to performance, including her reflections on the challenges of performing on opening nights and her habits before going on stage. She described her first experience with the idea of pursuing a career in the performing arts as stemming from a desire to live inside films, particularly musical comedies. She also recounted a chaotic early performance experience at the Quai Branly museum, which she described as a disaster but a learning moment.

Production and development

Le Saut du lit is produced by Ménagerie de Verre with coproductions from Mille Plateaux, CCN La Rochelle, Les SUBS, Lyon, La Chaufferie, Saint-Denis, Les Bazis – Art Vivant en Couserans, and recherches en cours. The piece was developed through residencies at Ménagerie de Verre, La Chaufferie, Saint-Denis, Mille Plateaux, CCN de La Rochelle, and Les SUBS, Lyon.