French Theatre's Reluctance to Tackle the Occupation Era Amid 2027 Political Concerns

A recent article in Le Monde, part of a five-part series on theatre during the Occupation, highlights a notable gap in contemporary French theatre: despite its propensity for political subjects, few works address the Occupation period. The article names prominent figures in French theatre—Ariane Mnouchkine, Julien Gosselin, Stanislas Nordey, and Jeanne Balibar—who show little interest in plays created in Paris during the war. However, the period prompts a pressing question: what to do if the far right comes to power in 2027? This question resonates with current political anxieties in France. The article suggests that the Occupation era offers a lens through which to consider contemporary political challenges, yet it remains largely unexplored by theatre makers. The piece is part of a series that examines how theatre has engaged with historical and political themes. The article was published on August 13, 2026, in Le Monde, a major French newspaper. The discussion reflects a broader concern among artists and intellectuals about the rise of far-right politics in France, and the role of theatre in addressing such issues. The article does not provide specific examples of plays or productions, but rather focuses on the general reluctance of key theatre figures to engage with this historical period. The question of 2027 is posed as a hypothetical but urgent consideration, linking historical memory to future political action.