3 reasons to go see En attendant Bojangles at the Théâtre de l’Œuvre

Originally, Waiting for Bojangles is a novel by Olivier Bourdeaut. It's one of those "page-turners" that you don't devour for its thrilling plot, but rather for its whimsy, its tenderness, and its almost enchanting dreaminess that both tugs at your heart and makes you smile. Since January 8 and until March 8, 2026, the story steps out of the confines of black lines on white pages and takes to the stage, at the Théâtre de l’Œuvre, in a delicate production by Victoire Berger-Perrin. Charlie Dupont, Tania Garbarski, and Jérémie Petrus — alternating with Victor Boulenger — embody this unique, colorful family that you can't help but grow fond of. Here are three good reasons to see this show before the curtain falls. 

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Théâtre de L’Œuvre (@theatredeloeuvre)

1) A moment suspended in a world full of eccentricity 

Waiting for Bojangles tells the story of a family that breaks free from rules and norms to live in their own bubble. For them, everyday life is a vast playground, the world is an infinite field of possibilities, and minutes tick away to the rhythm of celebration, music — of course — and love.

On stage, the actors manage, with brilliance and an almost disconcerting spontaneity, to invite us into the living room of their apartment or on the sunny terrace of their home in Spain. The fourth wall is always up; yet, we almost feel invited to dance to the vibrant voice of Nina Simone alongside this quirky family.

.
©Anne Colliard

2) A Touch of Fantasy in the Mind, Simplicity on Stage

Not too much, not too little: the perfect balance. Without striving for hypermodernity, the play stays true to the traditional theater we love so much, where real sets come to life throughout the scenes. A sofa moving across the stage, a desk, the painting of the renowned Prussian knight… Each element plays its part, just like the actors, and harmonizes perfectly with the light and sounds, which are crucial in their importance.

The costumes also make perfect sense: the outfits of the two men convey a certain elegance...elegance and stability, while the various colorful dresses of Camille — if that is indeed her name that day — reflect a personality that is both more free and vibrant, but also more fluttering. 

©Luana Van de Poele

3) A Flood of Emotion

We smile, we laugh, we feel touched, and we cry too… In just 1 hour and 20 minutes, the play takes us on a strong emotional journey. Like a real family, the unconditional love that binds this trio radiates throughout the audience. We connect with these characters like they are our own loved ones from the very first moments. So, of course, when tragedy knocks at the door to disrupt the celebration, our throats tighten.

©Anne Colliard

This is a show , that leaves you with a heavy heart and teary eyes, but above all with a wild desire to put seriousness away and bring back a bit of creativity, playfulness, and daydreaming into our lives.