Photo : ©christophe_raynaud_de_lage_
Our desiring bodies
A show that questions the fantasies and representations of desire conveyed by society by drawing on art history and popular songs.
Théâtre de la Tempête (Paris 12th)
About
How can we make desire desirable again? How can we dare today to take the risk of the other? To conduct the investigation and tackle the subject head-on, the Babel company started from the field of our collective representations, whether pictorial or musical, scholarly or popular, to try and draw up a color chart of desire in the era of generalized suspicion. From the abduction of Proserpina to that of Psyche, from the birth of Spring in the painter's eye to evocations closer to surrealism, on stage, a whole gallery that is sparkling to the eyes but also harbors our most secret monsters. It is a bit like listening to a pop song without paying much attention to the lyrics, until the day you stop and look at the words. It is dizzying, all this unthought-of material that hides behind our common culture. Here are 6 performers who are not afraid to dig into the troubled areas of desire to try and reconfigure our software. Sorting through everyone's heritage, this great memory attic. What should we keep or, on the contrary, put away in the closet for good? What new relationships can we invent to dare to rediscover the joy of being together, devoid of any mistrust?
Audio-described session: Friday, November 6 - tactile tour beforehand (limited number of headsets, booking at rp@la-tempete.fr)
conception and direction: Elise Chatauret
conception and dramaturgy: Thomas Pondevie
a show by Cie Babel
Our take on this event
Forget everything you thought you knew about intimacy and step into a performance that dissects the landscape of modern desire. Through a blend of classical mythology and surrealist imagery, this bold troupe navigates the shadows of human attraction to ask what truly fuels our connections today. Prepare for a thought-provoking stage experience that challenges your own perceptions of romance and vulnerability.
The Théâtre de la Tempête presents « Nos corps désirants », a production by the Babel company directed by Elise Chatauret and Thomas Pondevie. This performance examines the nature of desire in the modern era, drawing inspiration from collective imagery ranging from classical painting to surrealism. Six performers navigate the complexities of intimacy to propose new ways of connecting without suspicion. The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and up. The venue is wheelchair accessible and provides specific support for blind or visually impaired attendees, including a tactile tour on November 6.
Running from October 31 to November 22, 2026, « Nos corps désirants » offers a theatrical investigation into how we perceive and experience desire. By deconstructing our shared cultural heritage, the Babel company attempts to redefine the boundaries of our personal and collective relationships. Six performers take the stage to challenge entrenched norms and explore the hidden complexities of the human psyche, shifting through memories and artistic references to find new joy in togetherness.
Performances take place at the Théâtre de la Tempête in Paris's 12th arrondissement. Shows are scheduled from Tuesday to Saturday, 20:00 to 21:30, and on Sundays from 16:00 to 17:30. Tickets are priced between 10€ and 24€. The theater is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
In an effort to be inclusive, an audio-described performance is scheduled for Friday, November 6. This session includes a tactile tour for blind or visually impaired guests prior to the show. As the number of headsets for audio description is limited, booking in advance is required through the theater's representative office.
