Photo : Christophe Raynaud de Lage
Pauline Bureau - In Parentheses
Prepare for a profound theatrical experience as a woman pieces together fragments of her childhood trauma to find her voice. This production masterfully balances meticulous storytelling with breathtaking visuals to turn a personal journey of healing into a powerful collective revelation.
Le CENTQUATRE-PARIS (104) (Paris 19th)
About
The CENTQUATRE-PARIS presents Entre parenthèses, a production directed by Pauline Bureau that examines a woman's journey toward healing following a childhood trauma. Based on Adélaïde Bon's narrative La Petite fille sur la banquise, the play bridges individual experience with broader social and legal themes through a blend of documentary-style storytelling and innovative video staging. Performances are scheduled from November 17 to November 22, 2026, with ticket prices ranging from 10 to 30 euros. With a runtime of 2:10, this work provides a profound exploration of finding one's voice and the importance of being heard.
A call from the juvenile protection unit regarding a sexual assault she suffered 30 years ago propels Alma onto a long path of realization. Using a stage design that reflects both a mental landscape in the midst of restructuring and a meticulous police investigation, In Parentheses tells the story of a child who lacks the words and a woman who will find them, helped by a psychiatrist who transforms the way victims are cared for. Because Alma is not alone: it is also the story of 72 little girls who filed complaints, of 19 women who testified in the assize court, of their voices finally being heard.
With this free adaptation of Adélaïde Bon's account, The Little Girl on the Ice Floe, Pauline Bureau, a collaborating artist at CENTQUATRE-PARIS, continues her exploration of the links between the intimate and the political. The stage design—with remarkable video work—allows the author and director to pay equal attention to the narrative and the feelings, engaging the public in an approach that is both documentary and empathetic.
Our take on this event
Pauline Bureau returns to the CENTQUATRE-PARIS with Entre parenthèses, a production focused on memory and recovery. The story centers on Alma, who is confronted with the reality of an assault she suffered thirty years prior after being contacted by authorities. By balancing the rigors of a police investigation with the interior landscape of the protagonist, the director uses sophisticated video techniques to examine the connection between personal trauma and public justice. The play resonates with the collective experiences of numerous victims, finally bringing their testimonies to the forefront.
The show runs from Tuesday, November 17, to Sunday, November 22, 2026. Evening performances from Tuesday to Friday start at 20:00 and conclude at 22:10. On Sunday, November 22, the performance takes place from 17:00 to 19:10. The play lasts 2:10, and tickets are available for prices between 10 and 30 euros.
