Photo : Big Up Compagnie
Being Surya • A show by Lucie Hanoy
Forget conventional coming-of-age stories and witness the electrifying journey of a young girl inspired by the legendary resilience of Surya Bonaly. Through a blend of skating dreams and rebellious spirit, this performance tackles the weight of expectations with sparkle and raw honesty. It is a powerful reminder that finding your own voice often requires the courage to defy the gravity of social norms.
La Maison des Métallos (Paris 11th)
About
At La Maison des Métallos, the show Être Surya by Lucie Hanoy explores the journey of Madie, a 13-year-old girl finding her voice through the inspiring career of figure skater Surya Bonaly. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this performance tackles themes of identity, societal pressure, and the power of role models with grace and energy. The venue ensures a fully inclusive experience, as it is wheelchair accessible and adapted for visitors with visual or cognitive impairments. Whether you are looking for a thought-provoking family outing or a unique theatrical experience, this show offers a powerful reflection on freedom and self-affirmation.
Madie is 13 years old. She dreams of ice acrobatics, sequins, and freedom. But at school, they make fun of her: they say she is "too heavy" to fly. So, to find the strength to assert her legitimacy, she draws inspiration from the journey of her idol, Surya Bonaly – a figure skating champion and symbol of resistance against social norms and racial discrimination.
Lucie Hanoy brings their two paths into dialogue – that of a little girl searching for her place and that of an accomplished athlete who refuses to bow to the rules – to explore that pivotal age when one leaves childhood for adolescence, in search of identity and role models. Their stories also speak to us about passion, sequined bodysuits, power, stars, and the backflip.
Around the show
Post-show talk (THU. FEB 04 after the performance)Exchange with the artistic team after the performance.
Parent/child workshop: making your puppet (SAT. FEB 06｜11am—1pm)Duration 2h
For children from 8 years old and their parents
Price 10€
Reservation recommended
A fun and accessible workshop to discover the world of "muppet" style puppets by making your own character, with Lucie Hanoy and the Big Up company.
Using a simple technique mainly involving kraft paper, you will learn to build your own puppet before bringing it to life through manipulation, acting, and expression exercises. You will experiment step-by-step with the relationship between form, gesture, and the personality of the character you invent.
No prior experience is necessary: the workshop is designed to be open to everyone, regardless of your skill level. At the end of the session, you will leave with your puppet and the basics to continue bringing it to life at home. A fun and creative souvenir to take away, ideal for extending play and imagination at home or sharing these moments with family and friends.
In partnership with Peuple & Culture
Duration 3h
Price 8€
Reservation recommended
La Maison des Métallos, in partnership with Peuple & Culture, invites you to a surveying workshop around the book Renversante by Florence Hinckel.
Everything is fine for Léa! At school, she likes to play soccer in the yard with her friends. She is naturally gifted at math, as girls often are. She already knows that she is destined for a brilliant career as a surgeon, bailiff, or, why not, a minister! Whatever her choice, she won't have to take care of her children, since their father will do it. Men are naturally made for that, aren't they? "That's how it is! Nothing we can do about it!" Léa tends to think. But her father and her brother, Tom, will push her to question the established order...
"Arpentage" (surveying) is a method of collective discovery of a book. It is recommended not to read the book beforehand! The Métallos team will bring a copy, cool drinks, and treats for a moment of friendly sharing.
Explore the set and the world of the show through a tactile tour of the stage, specially designed for blind and visually impaired people.
Audience warm-up (SAT. FEB 06｜4:15pm)Take a moment for yourself before the show, a transition time between your daily life and the theater. Accompanied by Marine Désessard, share some movements, breathing, words, or knowing looks to let go and better welcome the show.
; Credits : Big Up CompagnieOur take on this event
Être Surya runs at La Maison des Métallos from February 3 to February 6, 2027. Showtimes vary: Wednesday, February 3 at 15:00; Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5 at 19:00; and Saturday, February 6 at 17:00. Tickets are priced at 15€, with reduced rates available at 10€ and 5€.
The performance weaves together the story of Madie, a teenager navigating identity, and the legacy of Surya Bonaly, a champion who defied social and racial barriers. On Thursday, February 4, audiences can join a discussion with the artistic team following the show.
Special sessions take place on Saturday, February 6, including a puppet-making workshop for children 8 and up and their parents (11:00-13:00, 10€), and a reading workshop titled Arpentage exploring the book Renversante (14:00-17:00, 8€). Accessibility features include a tactile stage tour at 16:00 for the visually impaired and a collective pre-show warm-up at 16:15. Booking is recommended for the workshop and the reading session.
