Get ready for a unique theatrical experience as Spoon River Anthology, adapted and directed by Eugenia Kuzmina, takes center stage at the Apollo Theatre in Paris.
A Touch of the Afterlife: Spoon River Anthology Comes to Life in Paris
As the lights dim in Paris’s iconic Apollo Theatre, the audience is transported to a cemetery where the spirits of the departed emerge to reveal the long-buried truths of their lives. This is the world premiere of Spoon River Anthology, Edgar Lee Masters’ classic work, given a new life through a remarkable adaptation by Eugenia Kuzmina and Clinton H. Wallace, coproduced by Yvonne Pollack. Opening on October 1st, this production promises to be a powerful journey that blends poetry, theater, and the poignant revelations of life’s most hidden truths.
Set in the fictional town of Spoon River, the production introduces the deceased residents, who, freed from the constraints of their past lives, reveal their stories through poetic epitaphs. The work reflects on the impermanence of life and the secrets that reside beneath the surface of everyday existence. With a cast of 20 actors from around the world, each character brings a new perspective, enriching the audience’s experience as the complexity of small-town life unfolds.
From Concept to Creation: A Vision Brought to Life
The concept for this adaptation began when Eugenia Kuzmina, known for her diverse career in both film and theater, envisioned a fresh approach to Masters’ classic. She saw the timeless themes of love, loss, betrayal, and revelation as ideal for a contemporary theatrical exploration. Collaborating with co-director Clinton H. Wallace, who is also the founder of the Côte d’Azur Webfest, Kuzmina aimed to create a deeply immersive experience that resonates with modern audiences. “These poems give voice to the unspoken truths of a community, shedding light on universal struggles,” says Wallace.
The team faced the challenge of translating a century-old work into something that would connect with today’s viewers. Their solution was a diverse ensemble of actors from around the globe, adding rich cultural layers to each character and ensuring that the themes of the play are universally relatable.
The Cast: 20 Global Voices Resurrected from the Past
The production features an extraordinary ensemble of international actors, who bring a blend of theater, film, and performance expertise to the stage. Headlined by iconic fashion photographer Antoine Verglas, who takes on the role of the host, the show is guided through the evening’s eerie revelations.
Jose Marques, well-established Parisian Comedian, the narrator, strikes a balance between humor and gravity, adding lightness to the weight of the themes presented. The cast includes seasoned professionals such as Noah Burton, Thomas Hardy, Caitlin McEachran, Natasha Galkina, Yvonne Pollack, Taahirr Aashhraf, Tara Philips, as well as rising stars like Mame Anta Wade, Ines Ben Sala, Kenny Burawudi, Randy Jernidier, and Alexandra Celestin. Each actor channels the deeply personal stories of their characters, portraying the tragedy, beauty, and complexity of their lives.
Eugenia Kuzmina herself joins the cast, offering a deeply emotional portrayal of one of Spoon River’s most compelling figures. With such a diverse and talented cast, the production draws on multiple cultural backgrounds, enriching the stories of betrayal, love, and loss.
Art Directed by Breck Graham
Dance Art Director Chalene Rose
Bringing the Dead to Life: The Creative Vision
To bring the ghostly world of Spoon River to life, the creative team has meticulously crafted every detail. The art direction by Breck A. Graham and the choreography of Charlene Rose create an atmosphere that draws the audience deep into the otherworldly cemetery. The silences in certain scenes speak volumes, turning stillness into a character in itself.
The stunning costume and set design by Muzy Burton and other talented designers blend elements of the real world with the dreamlike qualities of the afterlife. These visual elements work in harmony with the deeply moving narratives, ensuring an unforgettable theatrical experience.
This adaptation of Spoon River Anthology is more than just a play. It’s a meditation on life and death, the unspoken truths we carry, and the power of revelation. The spirits of Spoon River share their raw and unfiltered truths, reminding us all of the fragile, fleeting nature of existence.
Tickets and Performance Details
The world premiere of Spoon River Anthology opens on October 1st, 2025, at the Apollo Theatre in Paris. With its intimate venue, this performance offers a personal experience that brings the characters’ whispered truths directly to the audience.
Performances will run from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with tickets priced at $25. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Apollo Theatre at bi*********@***********re.fr or by calling +33 1 43 38 23 26.
Location: Apollo Theatre, 18 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75011 Paris, France.
A Production Not to Be Missed
If you’re in Paris this fall, Spoon River Anthology offers a rare opportunity to experience a powerful performance that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls. With universal themes, emotional depth, and a stunning international cast, this production is an experience that resonates deeply with humanity and the stories that define us.
Visit Apollo Théâtre Paris to purchase your tickets and learn more about this extraordinary theatrical event. You can also explore the creative journey behind this adaptation by following Côte d’Azur Webfest and Wild Wolf Howlin! Productions for behind-the-scenes content, interviews with the cast, and more.
Don’t miss your chance to see Spoon River Anthology, where the dead speak and their stories will forever change the way you see life.
