Photo : © Joseph Banderet
Family fiction
Writing journey with two authors, Aline César and Damien Dutrait.
MPAA/Saint-Blaise (Paris 20th)
About
During this workshop, Aline César and Damien Dutrait will guide a writing journey that is partly solitary and partly collective, in order to make multiple stories resonate with one another.
Working on family narratives requires a form of introspection and a search for truth. However, writing remains an act of fiction, a subjectivity offered to the view of others.
Starting from a concrete element (photo, letter, object, audio or visual archive), participants will rewrite a part of their family mythology.
The collected texts will culminate in a public performance.
SCHEDULE ·
Saturday, November 21 - 10 am-1 pm (Groups A and B)
Tuesday, November 24 (remote) - 7 pm-8:30 pm (Group A) - 8:30 pm-10 pm (Group B)
Saturday, December 5 - 10 am-11:30 am (Group A) - 11:30 am-1 pm (Group B)
Saturday, January 23 - 10 am-1 pm (Groups A and B)
Saturday, February 6 - 10 am-1 pm (Groups A and B)
Thursday, February 25 (remote) - 7 pm-8:30 pm (Group A) - 8:30 pm-10 pm (Group B)
Saturday, March 6 - 10 am-11:30 am (Group A) - 11:30 am-1 pm (Group B)
Saturday, March 20 - 10 am-1 pm (Groups A and B)
Saturday, April 3 - 10 am-1 pm (Groups A and B)
Saturday, April 24 - 10 am-1 pm (Groups A and B)
Saturday, May 22 - 10 am-5 pm (Groups A and B)
Maison des Pratiques Artistiques Amateurs
The MPAA is a cultural institution of the City of Paris whose mission is to welcome, promote, and encourage amateur artistic practices, particularly in the field of performing arts, throughout Paris and Greater Paris.
To discover our offerings and programming, visit our website at mpaa.fr and our social media channels.
Our take on this event
Dust off those old photographs and letters to breathe new life into your family history through the art of creative writing. This collaborative journey helps you weave your own life stories into a fictional tapestry, culminating in an exclusive live showcase of your work.
Family fiction is a writing workshop hosted at the MPAA/Saint-Blaise in Paris's 20th arrondissement, designed for anyone aged 12 and up. Led by Aline César and Damien Dutrait, the program encourages participants to explore their family history through personal objects, photographs, or archives. By blending solitary reflection with collective creative sessions, you will reshape your family mythology into original narratives. The experience, which spans from November 21, 2026, to May 22, 2027, includes both in-person and remote sessions and culminates in a public performance. Tickets are available at 80€ for the standard rate and 60€ for the reduced rate.
Guided by Aline César and Damien Dutrait, Family fiction offers a deep dive into creative writing focused on family legacies and personal myths. From November 21, 2026, to May 22, 2027, you will explore the boundary between factual history and creative fiction. By utilizing personal items like letters, photos, or sound archives, participants are encouraged to reconstruct their own family stories. The program structure combines individual reflection with collaborative efforts, ultimately leading to a final public performance of the collective work.
The schedule is organized into two groups with sessions held at the MPAA/Saint-Blaise, alongside remote meetings on Tuesday, November 24, and Thursday, February 25. Workshop dates occur on Saturdays: November 21, December 5, January 23, February 6, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 24, and May 22. Session durations vary, ranging from 1.5-hour blocks to a full day session on May 22 from 10:00 to 17:00.
This course is open to individuals aged 12 and over, with pricing set at 80€ standard or 60€ reduced. The event takes place at the MPAA/Saint-Blaise, located at 37-39 rue Saint-Blaise, 75020 Paris.
