At 92 years old, veteran French stage director Gilles Chavassieux is revisiting a play that captivated him years ago but eluded his grasp until now. “Un peu de calme avant la tempête” (A Little Calm Before the Storm), penned by German playwright Theresa Walser, will premiere nationally at the Comédie Odéon in Lyon, France, beginning March 11, 2026. The production marks a significant moment for both Chavassieux and Walser, whose perform remains relatively unknown in France despite its critical acclaim elsewhere.
Chavassieux first encountered Walser’s work while leading the Théâtre Les Ateliers, but circumstances prevented him from bringing “Un peu de calme avant la tempête” to life at that time. He remained passionate about the piece, and the opportunity to finally stage it arose thanks to Julien Poncet, the director of the Comédie Odéon, who offered him the platform to realize his vision. This production of “Un peu de calme avant la tempête” promises a blend of intellectual rigor and comedic timing, a hallmark of Chavassieux’s directorial style.
The play features Chavassieux himself alongside fellow actors Charles Dubois and Paul Minthe. The Comédie Odéon production is a co-production with Nouvelle Compagnie d’Hier, further solidifying its place within the French theatrical landscape. François Dodet is responsible for the scenography, with costumes designed by Marion Lachaise and set construction led by Christophe Sauvet. The French translation of Walser’s original text is credited to Hélène Mauler and René Zahnd.
A Play About Confrontation and Performance
“Un peu de calme avant la tempête” delves into complex themes, as evidenced by its description as staging “a choc générationnel between classical theatre and new forms of expression,” according to Billet Réduc. The play’s premise centers around three actors preparing for a televised debate about portraying Adolf Hitler, with one actor notably known for his previous role as Joseph Goebbels. This setup immediately establishes a provocative and potentially unsettling dynamic, exploring the challenges of representing historical figures and the ethical considerations involved.
The staging itself is described as visually striking, featuring “an unreachable fire escape on stage,” as noted in a Facebook post from the Comédie Odéon. This detail suggests a deliberate use of symbolism and spatial relationships to enhance the play’s thematic concerns. The Comédie Odéon describes the trio of actors as navigating Walser’s dialogue “with a joyful efficiency,” raising questions and sparking repartee within the confines of an antechamber that will soon open onto the arena of a television studio.
Performance Details and Schedule
Performances of “Un peu de calme avant la tempête” are scheduled from March 11th to March 21st, 2026, at the Comédie Odéon in Lyon. Tickets are available starting at €24.00, with a reduced price of €29.50 available, as reported by Billet Réduc. The play runs for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and is categorized as contemporary theatre and comedy, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The Comédie Odéon’s decision to stage this production signals a commitment to showcasing challenging and thought-provoking work. The play’s exploration of historical figures, performance, and the complexities of representation promises a compelling theatrical experience. As Gilles Chavassieux returns to the stage after years of anticipation, audiences can expect a production that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
The run of “Un peu de calme avant la tempête” at the Comédie Odéon will undoubtedly generate discussion about the play’s themes and the enduring relevance of Theresa Walser’s work. The production’s success could pave the way for wider recognition of Walser’s plays in France and beyond. What remains to be seen is how audiences will respond to the play’s provocative premise and Chavassieux’s interpretation.
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