Photo : Jean-Louis Fernandez
Old Spirit, Éléonore Barrault
Éléonore Barrault, a graduating director from the TnS School, seeks to traverse and imagine our future and past old ages. She builds a space that has experienced aging and the passage of time.
Théâtre 13 - Bibliothèque (Paris 13th)
About
Can we explore age independently of chronologies and any linearity? How can we dream of a poetic and political figure of the 'old maid'? This is the challenge taken up by Éléonore Barrault in a creation that teaches us to watch and listen to aging, but also to build the stage as a space for recomposition, the privileged place for the coexistence of generations and the refounding of imaginaries. By cultivating the 'old spirit,' with the complicity of the creative team from the TnS School, she chooses to get as close as possible to the passage of time and the transformations it produces on our bodies and our histories.
Director Éléonore Barrault
Writing Éléonore Barrault in collaboration with the artistic team and texts by Simone de Beauvoir, Leonora Carrington, and Annie Ernaux
Dramaturgy Baudouin Woehl
With Sarah Dallinger, Chaimaa El Mehia, Mina Totkova, The-Vinh Tran, Frazier-Doubia Nyamsi, Emma Da Cunha
Sound Gabrielle Fuchs
Lighting Lucas Loyez
Scenography and stage management Naïs Thériot
Costumes Kimy Gallien
Video and general management Aglaë Le Minor
With the support of the Centre des Récits du TnS
Dramaturgical perspective Rachel de Dardel
Vocal work Mathilde Mertz
Our take on this event
Step into a world where age is no longer a linear timeline but a canvas for artistic rebellion. This theatrical experience reimagines what it means to grow old through a powerful exploration of identity, weaving together voices that defy conventions and celebrate the beauty of transformation.
The Théâtre 13 - Bibliothèque presents Esprit vieille, a production directed by Éléonore Barrault that challenges traditional perceptions of aging. By moving away from linear chronology, the performance explores the poetic and political significance of the "old maid" figure, creating a space where different generations can coexist and reimagine their own history. The work reflects on the physical and personal transformations brought about by time, featuring a creative team from the École du TnS. This production, suitable for audiences aged 18 and over, invites viewers to listen to and observe the aging process through a unique theatrical lens.
Running from January 20 to January 28, 2027, Esprit vieille is a theatrical exploration directed by Éléonore Barrault, incorporating texts by Simone de Beauvoir, Leonora Carrington, and Annie Ernaux. Developed with the support of the Centre des Récits du TnS and the artistic team of the École du TnS, the piece features performers Sarah Dallinger, Chaimaa El Mehia, Mina Totkova, The-Vinh Tran, Frazier-Doubia Nyamsi, and Emma Da Cunha.
Technical and artistic contributions are provided by dramaturg Baudouin Woehl, with input from Rachel de Dardel, vocal coach Mathilde Mertz, sound designer Gabrielle Fuchs, lighting designer Lucas Loyez, set designer Naïs Thériot, costume designer Kimy Gallien, and video artist Aglaë Le Minor. Together, they construct a stage environment that fosters reflection on the passage of time.
Performances are held at the Théâtre 13 - Bibliothèque in the 13th arrondissement. The schedule runs from 20:00 to 22:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with an early evening show on Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00. This is a ticketed event exclusively for adults aged 18 and up.
