Lyon, May 10, 2026 – Molière’s timeless comedy, The Misanthrope, makes a much-anticipated return to the stage of the Théâtre des Célestins in Lyon, with performances scheduled from May 6 to May 16, 2026. This new production, directed by Simon Delétang, promises a fresh and insightful examination of social hypocrisy and the art of appearances, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences.
A Classic Reimagined for Modern Sensibilities
Simon Delétang, returning to the Lyonnaise stage, has chosen an approach that avoids directly transposing the play to the present day. Instead, he aims to reveal the disturbing relevance of Molière’s text through its inherent themes: the desire to please, the violence of social interactions, and the art of seeming. This production is set to be one of the most anticipated classical theatre events of spring 2026 in the Rhône region.
At the heart of the play is Alceste, a fierce critic of social conventions and falsehoods, who finds himself entangled in his own contradiction: the man who denounces hypocrisy is deeply in love with Célimène, the epitome of a worldly figure. Delétang skillfully shifts the focus to Célimène, portraying her not as a demure character, but as a strong personality, fully in control of social games and her own allure. Through the alexandrine verse, Célimène emerges as a kind of influencer in the truest sense of the word, shaping desires, alliances, and reputations.
The staging places the action in a palace setting that functions as both an art gallery and a stable – a space of representation where everyone plays their role, seeks favors, and measures their power of influence. Alceste appears ridiculous due to the excess of his passion: an absolutist, a romantic ahead of his time, he embodies less moral purity than the impossibility of living with others without compromise. Molière’s comedic cruelty remains intact, and laughing at Alceste is also laughing at our own difficulty in reconciling demands with social life.
An Accomplished Cast Brings Molière’s Comedy to Life
To embody this reinterpretation of The Misanthrope, Simon Delétang has assembled a cast of nine actors: Gaël Baron, Romain Gillot, François Godart, Fabrice Lebert, Déborah Marique, Pauline Moulène, Leïla Muse, Yanis Skouta, and Thibault Vinçon. Each actor brings complexity to their characters in this comedy of manners, navigating between calculation, desire, and awkward sincerity.
A post-performance discussion, known as a ‘bord de scène,’ is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, offering the audience a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artistic team. This type of encounter extends the theatrical experience beyond the curtain, allowing for deeper reflection on the directorial choices. For theatre enthusiasts in Lyon, this is an additional chance to immerse themselves in the world of the performance.
The play is accessible from 12 years old, making it an open proposition for a wide audience, including adolescents curious to discover Molière on stage. The announced duration is 2 hours, a format that allows the play to unfold without haste, respecting the text and its nuances.
Ticket Information and Venue Details
Performances of The Misanthrope will take place in the Grand salle of the Théâtre des Célestins, located at 4 rue Charles Dullin, Lyon 2e. Ticket prices range from 8€ to 42€, depending on seating. Reservations can be made by phone at 04 72 77 40 00 or through the online ticketing system.
For further information, please contact the Théâtre des Célestins at [email protected] or visit their website: www.theatredescelestins.com.
Source: jds.fr
