Photo : Fabrice Robin
Insects, Amanda Tedesco
Insects is an animal fable that questions contemporary political and social tensions. The play stages an insect society confronted with an ecological and political crisis, a metaphor for a changing world where new and old forms of domination emerge.
Théâtre 13 - Glacière (Paris 13th)
About
This dystopian fable, populated by crickets, a cockroach, and beetles, raises fundamental questions about power, fear, resistance, and language. Insects resonates with global dynamics: the rise of the far right, the fragility of democracies, the commodification of living beings, and the instrumentalization of minorities. Written in 2018 in Brazil, while the country was undergoing a major political shift, the play is anchored in a satirical tradition to explore authoritarian drifts and the contradictions of social struggles. This project questions how, behind an apparently structured power, there always lies a fierce struggle for the control of resources. Honey and the bee's eggs are symbols of wealth, fragility, and life in this world of insects.
Direction and adaptation Amanda Tedesco
Text Jô Bilac
With Beatriz Coimbra alternating with Ana Adams, Manu Figueiredo, Felipe Fonseca Nobre, André Gryner, Flávia Lorenzi and Isis Oliveira
Translation Amanda Tedesco and Collectif Entre-Deux
Musical direction Henrique Cantalogo
Set design and props Lola Seiler
Lighting design Andre Salles and Martin Klokenbring
Costumes Amanda Tedesco
Our take on this event
Step into a striking dystopian world where beetles and crickets expose the sharp edges of modern politics and authority. Through this clever animal satire, the production transforms an entomological landscape into a powerful reflection on societal struggles and democracy. It is a bold, thought-provoking piece that stays with you long after the final bow.
The Théâtre 13 - Glacière presents Insectes, a dystopian play directed by Amanda Tedesco, running from November 19 to November 20, 2026. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and up, this performance uses a society of crickets, cockroaches, and beetles to investigate themes of political power, fear, and democratic fragility. Based on Jô Bilac's satirical writing, the play examines authoritarian tendencies through the lens of a fragile insect world. Performances are held from 20:00 to 21:20. This theatrical production offers a sharp, metaphorical look at contemporary social dynamics, focusing on the struggle for survival and resources.
Directed by Amanda Tedesco, the play Insectes will be performed at the Théâtre 13 - Glacière in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. The production runs for two evenings on November 19 and November 20, 2026, with showtimes scheduled from 20:00 to 21:20. Tickets are required for this event, which is recommended for attendees aged 12 and older.
Originally written by Jô Bilac in Brazil in 2018, the play utilizes a satirical narrative featuring various insects to reflect on global political shifts, including the rise of extremism and the exploitation of minorities. Through the symbolic use of honey and bee eggs, the performance illustrates the tension between organized power structures and the vulnerability of life. The story explores how power is maintained and the underlying conflicts that define social existence.
The cast features Beatriz Coimbra, Ana Adams, Manu Figueiredo, Felipe Fonseca Nobre, André Gryner, Flávia Lorenzi, and Isis Oliveira. Musical direction is provided by Henrique Cantalogo, with set design by Lola Seiler and lighting by Andre Salles and Martin Klokenbring. Costumes are designed by Amanda Tedesco, while the translation was managed by Amanda Tedesco and the Collectif Entre-Deux. Ensure you book your tickets in advance to secure your attendance at this limited engagement.
