La Tresse, a stage adaptation of the bestselling novel by Laetitia Colombani, is now playing at the Théâtre de la Renaissance in Paris. The play, which first premiered at Anthéa in Antibes in September 2026, runs from Thursday to Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sundays at 5 p.m. The novel, which has sold over two million copies worldwide, been translated into forty languages, and won twenty awards, was previously adapted into a film in 2023. The stage version follows the novel's complex narrative, which intertwines three stories from different parts of the world until they converge in an unexpected way.
The first story is set in India, where an untouchable woman struggles to lift her daughter out of poverty and into education. The second story takes place in Palermo, Sicily, where a family's wig-making business is thrown into chaos after the boss falls into a coma. The third story is in Montreal, focusing on a high-powered lawyer and mother of three, who is driven by her career but faces challenges in her personal life. These three women, from different backgrounds and generations, confront unexpected difficulties that challenge their lives.
The production features only five actresses who play all the roles, with each performance receiving high praise. Laetitia Colombani herself appears in brief segments as the writer and narrator, reminding the audience of the novel's origins while the story remains grounded in real-world traditions and social issues. The other actresses—Blanche Leleu, Marina Pangos, Magali Caillol, and Lara Tavella—are noted for their ability to transform seamlessly into each character. They bring a range of personalities to life, enhanced by the costumes designed by Alice Touvet, which are integral to the visual storytelling.
The musical accompaniment by Laurent Guillet (with Jean-François Prigent alternating) adds a dynamic element, with guitar music that reflects the cultural settings of each story. The set design includes liana curtains that allow for smooth transitions between scenes, while accessories appear seemingly by magic and video projections of landscapes provide a visual backdrop. The performers move quickly and energetically, maintaining the pace of a story that feels like a race against time.
Johanna Boyé, the director, is praised for her attention to detail, both visually and audibly, and for her precise direction of the actors. The production showcases her talent for choral theater and her appreciation for powerful female stories. The show honors the emotional depth and rhythm of the novel, giving it a new life on stage and celebrating the strength of women. The production team includes many contributors, and the show lasts one hour and twenty minutes.
La Tresse adapts best-selling novel to stage with multiple narratives and international cast
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Sceneweb



