Photo : LE LIBRAIRE AUX PIEDS NUS
The Barefoot Bookseller
Step into a quiet Parisian theatre for this poignant story of a successful businessman who decides to step out of his comfort zone and into a dance studio. Through the transformative power of movement, two strangers challenge their perceptions of life and self-discovery. It is a deeply human performance that will leave you thinking long after the curtain falls.
Théâtre Comédie Bastille (Paris 11th)
About
Experience the emotional journey of Le libraire aux pieds nus at the Théâtre Comédie Bastille, a play written by Cliff Paillé and directed by Noémie Alzieu. This production follows a man in his fifties who decides to step out of his comfort zone by taking dance lessons, leading to profound life changes. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and up, this intimate performance takes place in the 11th arrondissement. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy this moving exploration of personal growth and human connection. Join us for a unique theatrical experience that examines the transformative power of dance.
The story of a man who finally dares to dance so that his inner world begins to move.
A man in his fifties remembers pushing open the door of Nora Baldini, a young dance teacher, a few years earlier. He is not a dancer, not at all. He is rather uncomfortable in his own body.
Aside from that? He is doing well: responsibilities, success, money…
But why on earth did he knock on that door? Why accept this discomfort, this mirror of weaknesses? What was he looking for, and what will he find along this surprising journey?
From surprise to emotion, from progress to revelations, from the universal to the intimate, nothing will ever be the same again. Neither for him. Nor for her.
A new life story by Cliff Paillé
Directed by Noémie Alzieu
With Madeline Fortumeau and Cliff Paillé
Lighting and set design Richard Arselin
Our take on this event
The play features an accomplished professional who, despite his success and stability, feels compelled to seek out a dance teacher. What begins as an uncomfortable venture quickly evolves into a transformative experience for both the man and his instructor, played by Madeline Fortumeau and Cliff Paillé. With lighting and stage design by Richard Arselin, the production offers a deep look into the protagonist's internal world as he confronts his own vulnerabilities and learns to move through life with newfound grace.
Performances run from November 5, 2026, to December 19, 2026. Catch the show on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with two available time slots each day: 19:00 to 20:30 or 21:00 to 22:30. Tickets are priced between 12.50 and 40 euros. The theatre is wheelchair accessible and recommended for viewers aged 12 and older.
