Je n’ai pas tout compris, but I’m staying for act two
Exploring French theater in Paris as a non-native speaker : 100% appreciating the art, even if I catch only 80% of the words!
French theater can seem intimidating to language learners. The dialogue is fast-paced, the drama is intricate, and the prose can be poetic: full of idioms and double entendres. While this is true, and can make a play harder to follow for those still learning French, it's remarkable how much of the story comes through in the theatrics alone… and with just a little bit of homework.
Théâtre du Palais-Royal.
Recently, I saw two fantastic plays: ADN at Théâtre Michel and Du Charbon Dans Les Veines at Théâtre du Palais-Royal. Feeling the familiar nervousness that I'd struggle to follow along, below is what helped me be more confident going into watching the plays, and suggest the same to those in a similar situation:
1. Watch the trailer: Trailers are a wonderful introduction to a play - they familiarize you with the setting, characters, and pace of the action. Before you've even taken your seat, you’ll have an idea of what you’re in for.
2. Read about the play en anglais: Google Translate or English-language reviews can provide helpful context, especially if you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary in the trailer. You can also read a synopsis or excerpt of the play in French beforehand, looking up words you don't know, and arrive at the theater feeling fully prepared.
3. Arrive early: Listening to French music, watching Francophone TV, or chatting with a friend in French beforehand can warm up your French-learning brain for an evening immersed in your non-native language. Arriving early gives you time to settle into the atmosphere and calm any lingering nerves, which is far better than rushing in at the last minute and forgetting to silence your phone. That kind of frantic energy is the last thing you need when you're already concentrating hard in a second language!
These three elements helped me enjoy ADN and Du Charbon Dans Les Veines to the fullest, and they can be applied to any production: including our upcoming Boston production of Soie! Even though the show will have English surtitles, these tips can help you rely on them a little less, keeping your eyes on the stage and your full attention on the captivating Sylvie Dorliat.
With time, I’m excited to feel more confident for every production I go see and close the gap between 80% and 100%, one curtain call at a time.
To get a deeper sense of context for our upcoming production of Soie, discover this interview with Sylvie Dorliat! She filmed it last summer while performing with Théâtre Corps Saints in Avignon, France. You can also turn on the automated English subtitles to better follow the conversation and explore the world of Soie.
