Photo : David Buchemeyer
Winter Funeral by Hanokh Levin
Prepare for a dark, brilliantly staged farce where human selfishness transforms into theatrical gold. With masks and relentless energy, the troupe captures a chaotic journey that makes the pursuit of vanity look absurdly, hilariously petty.
Conservatoire municipal Hector Berlioz (Paris 10th)
About
The Hector Berlioz Municipal Conservatory presents Hanokh Levin's dark comedy, Winter Funeral, performed by the Mask and Music studio. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and up, this performance depicts a chaotic escape as families desperately try to avoid funeral news to protect a wedding celebration. Expect a blend of absurdity and satire exploring human selfishness in a frantic, surreal chase. The show takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the conservatory in the 10th arrondissement. Admission is free, though attendees are kindly requested to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the 15:00 start time.
With Les Automnales, the Hector Berlioz Conservatory inaugurates a new cultural rendezvous that will punctuate every start of the season, from September to November. True to its vocation, the conservatory asserts its role as a place of life, creation, and artistic dissemination, open to everyone.
Because culture is shared, all events are offered for free, subject to availability.
At the theater tonight!
The Mask and Music workshop of the Hector Berlioz conservatory invites you for a tragic and fantastic farce where two families seeking to flee bad news to preserve a joyous event reveal themselves in their most ferocious selfishness.
Through a succession of increasingly burlesque situations, Levin draws a cruel portrait of a society ready to step over corpses to reach a goal that is ultimately trivial.
The story
Winter Funeral is the story of a great fantastic and burlesque escape triggered by the unfortunate coincidence of two major events. On one side, cousin Shratzia is marrying off her only daughter Velvetsia to Popotshenko. On the other, cousin Latshek Bobitshek mourns the death of his mother who, before leaving him, made him promise a beautiful funeral in the presence of the whole family. He therefore sets off at night, and in the pouring rain, to announce the terrible news to Shratzia.
The family then decides to run for their lives to avoid the announcement of the inconvenient news. And the flight begins, a total and absolute flight, dragging Latsheck into an absurd journey through places as varied as they are delirious.
Cast
With:
Maëna Arnaud
Zoé Chalais
Samuel Couturier
Loren Durassier
Angela Fournel-Meria
Geoffrey Fourmy
Anna Pinel Citolleux
Lucile Schmitz
Zoé Villard
and the musicians:
Neil Marin-Levrier
Joseph Reynaud
Maël Roth
Directed by:
Gatienne Engélibert
Magali Song
Mask creation:
Maëna Arnaud
Loren Durassier,
Angela Fournel-Meria
Lucile Schmitz
under the direction of Emmanuelle Mouque Raggi
Our take on this event
As part of the new seasonal series Les Automnales, the Hector Berlioz Municipal Conservatory showcases a theatrical production by its Mask and Music studio. On November 7, 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30, the conservatory at 6 Rue Pierre Bullet hosts Hanokh Levin’s play. Directed by Gatienne Engélibert and Magali Song, the production features custom-made masks created under the guidance of Emmanuelle Mouque Raggi.
The story centers on a bizarre situation where a cousin’s wedding plans are threatened by the death of another family member. To keep the festivities alive, the group embarks on an absurd, fast-paced flight, attempting to outrun the announcement of the tragedy. Levin uses this premise to paint a sharp, satirical portrait of society and the lengths people go to for trivial gains.
The cast includes performers such as Maëna Arnaud, Zoé Chalais, and Samuel Couturier, accompanied by live musicians. The event is open to the public for ages 12 and above, subject to available seating. While the performance is free to attend, please ensure you arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the 15:00 curtain call to be seated.
