Pénélope - Théâtre du Rond-Point

Location

Théâtre du Rond-Point
2 bis avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt - 75008 Paris
Capacity 760 seats

Duration

1h 15min

No intermission

Details

Contemporary dance

For all audiences

No dialogue

Highlights: Pénélope

A great heroine of Greek mythology, Penelope was immortalized in Homer’s Odyssey. She was the daughter of King Icarius, the mother of Telemachus and the ever faithful wife of Odysseus. Left waiting for her husband as he travels back from Troy, Penelope spurns a string of suitors keen to marry her in his stead. With her iron-clad heart, the epitome of wifely devotion, Penelope was capable of withstanding any trial. But she is also known for her cunning trick to delay a remarriage—after spending all day weaving a shroud for Odysseus’s father Laertes, she spent all night secretly unpicking her work.

In a long-awaited sequel to his 1981 show Ulysses, choreographer Jean-Claude Gallotta is back with a reimagining of the hero’s beautiful wife. Pénélope offers a contemporary take on an age-old myth, bringing sensuality and dynamism to the stage of the Théâtre du Rond-Point.

Story: Pénélope

The Pénélope of Jean-Claude Gallotta’s version is nothing like we might imagine. She is no passive and peaceable wife, happy to sit back and wait for the return of her husband Odysseus. This Penelope leaps, dances and burns with inner feeling. Given new life at the choreographer’s hands, the heroine becomes a fiery figure of modernity. Ten dancers carry us through this reinvention of the mythical heroine, staging a tale of desire, daring, and reunion. In a production blending filmed passages and group scenes on the stage of the Théâtre du Rond-Point, Homer’s heroine comes to vivid and ultra-modern life.

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Théâtre du Rond-Point

2 bis avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt - 75008 Paris

History and Fun Facts about Théâtre du Rond-Point

If you ever want to feel the pulse of the French theatre scene, the Théâtre du Rond-Point is the place to be! But which roundabout or "rond-point" is it exactly? It's one of the most famous roundabouts in Paris, located near the Champs-Elysées, smaller than the famous Etoile roundabout under the Arc de Triomphe. Since 1981, it has attracted a host of directors from all over the world and a host of people with a passion for theatre. A major venue for contemporary creation since 1991, the Rond-Point does not programme "what people like, but what they don't yet know they like", according to Jean-Michel Ribes, the theatre's former director. Since 2023, Laurence de Magalhaes and Stéphane Ricordel have taken over the reins of this theatre, which is still rooted in contemporary creation and focuses on living authors.

Fast facts
Capacity: 760
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes

theatre du rond-point, danse, cirque, dance, circus, contemporary theatre, theatre contemporaine

FAQ

How do I get to the Théâtre du Rond-Point for Pénélope?

The Théâtre du Rond-Point is accessible by metro lines 1 and 9 (Franklin D. Roosevelt station) or lines 1 and 13 (Champs-Elysées Clémenceau station). It is also possible to get to the theatre by bus 28, 42, 73, 80, and 93. In case of difficulty, our customer service department can be contacted on weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm. For more information, please consult the map above.

What do I do when I get to Théâtre du Rond-Point?

We invite you to arrive 45 minutes before the beginning of the show, and present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre du Rond-Point’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

Where will I be seated at Théâtre du Rond-Point?

For the showing of Pénélope, your seats at the Théâtre du Rond-Point will be placed between the first and sixth rows.

Can I take photos during Pénélope?

In order not to disturb the artists on stage, and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film, or record the performance for the duration of Pénélope . As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the Théâtre du Rond-Point to remember your night out!

Is the show Pénélope only for French people, or is it accessible to foreign tourists?

Both! Pénélope is a contemporary dance show. There is no dialogue, so it is accessible to everyone.

Is tipping customary at Théâtre du Rond-Point?

The ushers at Théâtre du Rond-Point do not accept tips.

Is it possible to eat or have a drink at the Théâtre du Rond-Point?

Yes, the theatre has a very good restaurant that offers fresh products and a simple but varied cuisine. Large round tables allow you to share this moment with family or friends. The restaurant is open in the evening, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 7pm to midnight. This guarantees you a good meal before or after the show. It is also possible to have a drink at the bar, open Tuesday to Friday from 12:00pm to 1:00am and Saturday from 5:00pm to 1:00am.