“Lights up!” Imagine those words echoing through the Thêatre Rive Gauche. It is a Parisian theatre brimming with history. The Thêatre Rive Gauche stands at 6, rue de la Gaîté. This is in Paris’s 14th arrondissement.
Originally, this location was a Montparnasse cabaret. Later, it became a cinema. In 1986, Alain Mallet purchased the space. He owned the nearby Thêatre d’Edgar. Mallet renamed it Grand Thêatre d’Edgar.
Then, in 1994, it reopened as the Thêatre Rive Gauche. Pierre Clayette designed the facade for the grand reopening. Sadly, the original facade deteriorated. It was reconstructed in 2008.
In 2010, the Thêatre Rive Gauche joined other private Parisian theatres. They formed a group called “Thêatres Parisiens Associés.” Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt took over as director in 2012. He partnered with Bruno Metzger. Metzger is a producer and comedian.
The Thêatre Rive Gauche focuses on contemporary works. It showcases young playwrights. These include Sébastien Blanc and Nicolas Poiret. Confirmed actors have graced its stage. Francis Huster and Clémentine Célarié are among them. New talents also emerge here.
Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt believes the Thêatre Rive Gauche is special. He says theatre is a place where anything is possible. The dead can rise. Even tragic love stories can begin again.
Several plays have earned Molière Awards. Philippe Avron won in 1999 for his one-man show. Ladies Night won Best Comedy Show in 2001. Pascale de Boysson won for her adaptation of Le Regard in 2003. Laurent Terzieff won in 2010 for The Dresser. Davy Sardou won in 2014. He was in L’Affrontement. Jean-Philippe Daguerre won in 2018 for Adieu monsieur Haffmann. Anne Bouvier won in 2019 for Mademoiselle Molière.
The Thêatre Rive Gauche has hosted many notable plays. These include Monsieur Ibrahim et les Fleurs du Coran. Steve Suissa directed The Journal d’Anne Frank. Viktor Lazlo performed in Billie Holiday. Marianne James starred in Miss Carpenter. Claire Keim and Martin Lamotte performed in The Guitrys. Francis Huster starred in La Trahison d’Einstein.
Productions continue to impress audiences. In 2023, Madame Ming entertained. La Maison du loup captivated. Moi et François Mitterrand provoked thought. Kessel, la liberté à tout prix moved many.
The Thêatre Rive Gauche remains a cultural hub. It fosters creativity and celebrates the art of theatre.