Photo : © Marie Charbonnier
Some mourn their dead, we sing them · Léa Millet
Forget the somber memorials and step into a boisterous karaoke joint where a family is rewriting the rules of grief through song. This unique production captures the raw, funny, and messy transition of a dynasty navigating its first gathering without its matriarch. Grab a mic and prepare for an emotional journey that hits every note from nostalgic pain to sheer, rhythmic relief.
Théâtre Paris-Villette (Paris 19th)
About
Experience "Certains pleurent leurs morts, nous on les chante," a play by Léa Millet running at Théâtre Paris-Villette from November 19 to December 5, 2026. This performance centers on a family gathering at a karaoke restaurant following the passing of their matriarch, a woman who once held them together with iron will. Through songs and candid conversations ranging from politics to heritage, the family navigates their grief and collective history. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and over, this production offers a poignant look at how traditions persist beyond death. Set in the 19th arrondissement, it is a unique theatrical exploration of family bonds and legacy.
Granny is the head of a tribe. Sitting in her wheelchair, she controls her family just as Moses crossed the sea with his people. She has passed on everything she knew: the weight of family heritage, traditions, superstitions, guilt, and love. But also the monthly meeting at this karaoke restaurant. Tonight, she is not here because she passed away. Her children and grandchildren are there, for the first time without her. This is where they sing, but also where they talk about politics as much as tradition.
Our take on this event
Director Léa Millet explores the complexities of family inheritance through the story of a clan suddenly devoid of its leader. The matriarch, who once guided her family like a biblical figure from her wheelchair, has left behind a legacy of traditions, superstitions, and love. For the first time, her children and grandchildren meet at their monthly ritual—a karaoke restaurant—without her. Within this setting, they find space to confront the weight of their heritage while engaging in raw discussions on politics and love.
The performances take place at Théâtre Paris-Villette. The schedule is: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 20:00 to 21:20; Fridays from 19:00 to 20:20; Saturdays from 18:00 to 19:20; and Sundays from 15:30 to 16:50. This is a ticketed event for spectators aged 12 and older. It serves as a striking meditation on how families mourn and celebrate, turning the act of singing into a profound tool for reflection and connection.
