Why French Theater?
Moving to Paris has reshaped my relationship with live art. I wanted to share a few reflections on how accessible, intimate French contemporary theater offers a rich, screen-free way to experience storytelling.
A reflection by Caitlin Heelen
I grew up in love with musical theater: from massive productions like The Wizard of Oz and Disney's Beauty and the Beast to shows like Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton when I was in high school. After spending a year in Paris exploring the local culture, I’ve noticed a fundamentally different approach to theater compared to the United States.
Boch Center - Wang Theatre
Theater feels like it is everywhere in Paris.
In France, cultural events, including smaller contemporary productions, are visibly promoted everywhere, from metro posters to flyers in local coffee shops and churches. With over 130 traditional and contemporary performance spaces across Paris, theater is present in almost every neighborhood and feels remarkably accessible. By contrast, contemporary theater in the U.S. often feels harder to find, usually limited to hidden venues or exclusive communities.
Additionally, French contemporary theater offers a distinct experience. It is deeply immersive and intimate, relying heavily on the quality of the script and performance rather than massive sets or large ensembles.
As someone whose French has improved tremendously over the past year, I am still actively learning the language. I’ve found that absorbing French media, including theater, is a great way to practice comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and test your skills in a fun and entertaining way. It challenges you without feeling like an exam. And I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, you can still enjoy 100% of the experience, even if your French level isn’t 100% there yet.
To pivot a bit - moving to France also brought a personal goal: limiting my screen time.
Living in Paris in my 20s, I don't want to look back and feel like I spent my time online when there is so much to experience. Swapping a repeated TV show or movie theater for live storytelling offers a unique alternative. Watching a performance with surtitles is much like watching a film with captions as you get to experience a story told in another language and culture by artists performing live right in front of you.
This blog post has a dual purpose: contemporary theater isn't as widespread in the United States, but it doesn't have to stay that way. I encourage you to invite friends of all generations and language levels to try a unique experience that few U.S. cities offer. Second, I encourage everyone to take a chance on live entertainment. I think it is a great way to enjoy an evening with your phone silenced.
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