Théâtre Francis Gag: A Season of Shared Emotions, Local Productions, and the Niçois Art of Living

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the heart of Old Nice was alive with the rhythm of artistic creation. The Théâtre Francis-Gag-a key cultural institution nestled at 4 Rue de la Croix-unveiled its new 2026-2027 season during an evening that was as warm as it was inspiring. With over 50 performances scheduled between September 2026 and June 2027, this cultural gem reaffirms its mission: to provide a space for connection, wonder, and sharing, accessible to all with tickets starting at just €5.

A family-friendly, intergenerational experience

This season places a strong emphasis on families, featuring a selection of 13 diverse shows (including theater, dance, puppetry, and musical storytelling). As the venue's director, Jennifer Moreau, points out: "What we aim to achieve for young audiences and families is an experience where children have fun and parents do too; we select shows that foster shared emotions."
The themes explored resonate deeply with both the heart and the mind:
- Solidarity and the fight against school bullying: featured in *Les 12 Notes* by Jérémy Lemaire, which opens the season on October 7, 2026.
- Literary richness and the poetry of French-language songs: showcased in *Tu connais la chanson ?* by Louis Caratini-a gem discovered at the Avignon Festival.
- The strength of sibling bonds: illustrated in the dance piece *Faraëkoto*.
- The quest for identity and family memory: explored through the puppet show *Petite Plume* by Juliána Dubovská. - Major history shared with younger audiences: through *Ladies Football Club*, which recounts the saga of women's football pioneers in 1917.
These performances are a natural fit for the city's "L'école du spectateur" (School for Spectators) initiative, which introduces over 2,000 young people from Nice to theatrical creation each year.

Innovation, youth, and local connections

The Théâtre Francis-Gag continues to forge strong ties with young people and the local creative scene. This season, students from the Design Department at Lycée Goscinny are collaborating with director Yohanna Fuchs to create the set design and scenery for *Le Chat Botté* (Puss in Boots). These collaborative projects also showcase local talent, as evidenced by the mural created by students from Lycée René Goscinny in the theater's foyer.
A special partnership with Université Côte d'Azur and the Nice Conservatory also allows students to immerse themselves in the theater environment and present staged readings.
Among the standout productions, *Le Monde Merveilleux de Dissocia* (The Wonderful World of Dissocia)-directed by Rosine Vokouma and supported by the Théâtre National de Nice-addresses mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as the experience of supporting loved ones with mental or physical illnesses. At the same time, according to the director, the play has comic undertones; it is not entirely somber.
The goal is also, quite simply, to share the joy of storytelling with the audience. An evening driven by music and a passion for the stage

The presentation opened and closed with music, featuring a captivating performance by the duo of Brazilian singer Jussanam and Nice-based pianist Jo Kaiat, lending a warm and elegant touch to the event.
Beyond the festivities, the season places a strong emphasis on poignant stories and contemporary writing:
- "Le Monde Merveilleux de Dissocia" (by Rosine Vokouma), supported by the Théâtre National de Nice, tackles the subjects of mental health (depression, bipolar disorder) with boldness, humor, and humanity, following the journey of its heroine, Lisa.
- "Les 12 Notes" by Jérémy Lemaire, a musical ode against school bullying that will officially open the season on October 7.
- "Tu connais la chanson?" by Louis Caratini, an interactive, poetic, and musical stand-up show centered on French-language songs.
- "Femmes de dictateurs," a striking historical comedy exploring complicity and the banality of evil from a female perspective behind the scenes of the Third Reich.
With a mix of local productions, school collaborations, and moving narratives, the Théâtre Francis-Gag promises a rich, vibrant, and exciting season.

Article by Iana Primovici