Théâtre de la Main d’Or

Dieudonné’s laughter echoes through the walls of the Théâtre de la Main d’Or. This seemingly ordinary theater, nestled in the 11th arrondissement of Paris at 15 Passage de la Main d’Or, holds a complex and controversial history. The Théâtre de la Main d’Or wasn’t always a stage for comedy and controversy. It began as an unoccupied warehouse, transformed by Alain Illel into a 250-seat performance space. From 1989 to 1997, Jean-Christian Grinevald directed the theater. Then, in 1999, comedian Dieudonné took the reins, making the Théâtre de la Main d’Or his comedic home, performing three times a week. His presence drew a diverse crowd, a mix of locals and suburbanites, young couples and retirees, united by their appreciation for his humor, regardless of their political leanings. Some fully embraced Dieudonné’s views, while others maintained a critical distance. The ownership of the Théâtre de la Main d’Or adds another layer to its story. Businessmen Georges Melka and Gabriel Levy, prominent figures in the Jewish community and Zionist movement, became the theater’s owners in 2011. They claimed to have been unaware of Dieudonné’s identity and his controversial views at the time of purchase. However, as Dieudonné’s political views became more radical and accusations of antisemitism mounted, the owners sought to evict him. The legal battle centered around a lease technicality. The lease was in the name of Bonnie Productions, a company linked to Dieudonné, but the theater was operated by another company, Les Productions de la Plume, owned by his wife and mother. This irregular subletting provided the owners with the legal grounds to expel Dieudonné from the Théâtre de la Main d’Or in 2017. The theater’s story continues, a testament to its enduring presence amidst changing times and shifting narratives.