Theater as a form of entertainment, but also as a mirror of current events. With its new play, Why People Who Sow, directed by Sébastien Bizeau, the Théâtre Lepic has made quite an impact, and is more than ever inscribed in the narrative of national events that shake the country. A love story, set against a backdrop of ecology, activism, the right to protest, politics… This brilliantly performed show by four talented actors resonates strikingly with the mobilizations sweeping across France and the world. And if you're not yet convinced, here are 3 additional great reasons to rush and see Why People Who Sow !
1. Exploring love when convictions differ
Chloé (Sana Puis) and Antoine (Paul Martin or Gaspard Cuillé) are in love. But a shadow looms over their happiness: she is a passionate environmental activist, devoted at all costs to her convictions, while he has just been appointed prefect, tasked with maintaining order. As a mega-reservoir project is about to get underway, Chloé plans to organize a protest to stop this construction.
© Cédric Vasnier
By featuring political leaders — mayors, prefects, prime ministers —, as well as activists, journalists, lawyers, and citizens, the play manages to illustrate the diversity of opinions and viewpoints that coexist in France. There are those who have the courage to boldly claim their ideas, those who want to oppose a pseudo-inevitability imposed upon them during their studies, but also those who doubt, those who fear a potential violent response from law enforcement. On stage, power dynamics are brought to light. We see strengths and weaknesses, convictions and pressure, injustice and manipulation.
2. A play energized by a dynamic staging
Captivating in its subject matter, the play is equally engaging thanks to its staging with incredible dynamic efficiency. Scenes follow one another and the décor transforms completely with just a few furniture moves or lighting changes: strategy meeting at city hall, theater class, cinema room, radio broadcast, press conference, courtroom… In just 1 hour 20 minutes, Why People Who Sow explores in detail the inner workings of power and mobilizations, diving deep into the intimate lives of the characters.
© Cédric Vasnier
To this dynamic staging is added the breathtaking performance of Matthieu Le Goaster and Nastassia Silve who, in a split second and the slightest costume change, seamlessly step into the skin of a new character playing a mayor, a farmers’ representative, a journalist, an activist, a press officer, or even the president of a foundation. They orbit around Chloé and Antoine and allow the narrative to move forward while gaining depth.
3. Using theatre as a tool for rebellion
Without seeking to oversimplify the situation or caricature the characters excessively, the play, on the contrary, demonstrates genuine sincerity, and invites us to bring the debate back into
at the heart of society. Navigating between humor and seriousness, it sheds light on the contradictions, the fragilities, but above all the reality of the ecological situation and the reality of the democratic situation.
© Cedric Vasnier
Without trying to deliver a moral lesson, the play prompts you to reflect. You leave with a surge of rage in your belly and your head full of questions: where is the line between privacy and public life? What is right? What does radicalism mean? How do we act for the future? The answers may take days or months to germinate. But first and foremost, it's about awakening consciences and fueling the debate. And going back to see Why People Who Sow, on the stage of Théâtre Lepic until January 3, 2027, is a wonderful place to start!
Why People Who Sow
Théâtre Lepic
1, avenue Junot — 18th
Untiluntil January 3, 2027
More info and bookings
