25 years in Paradise!

Nearly 500 guests, more than 20,000 spectators. These aren’t the projections for the 2026 edition of the Saint-Barthélemy Theater Festival. Such a turnout would throw the entire island into a state of near-chaos! These figures come from the report released by Nadège Emmanuelian, artistic director of the Théâtre du Paradis in Gustavia, after 24 years of the festival. Numbers that will undoubtedly rise even further during this very special edition: the one celebrating the 25th anniversary of Saint-Barthélemy’s theatrical event of the year.

A festival “with a unique format”
“25 years already,” headlines Nadège Emmanuelian at the top of the editorial in the brochure for the 25th edition. She recalls the “modest terrace” of the association’s president in 2001, Martine Simon, before tallying the guests and audience members. “Something to make our small association proud, which, against all odds, has never stopped fighting to keep this uniquely shaped festival alive, founded above all on exchange and kindness,” writes Nadège Emmanuelian.
When she speaks of the festival, the artistic director repeatedly uses the term “adventure” to describe it. And to ensure that this adventure has continued for so many years, Nadège Emmanuelian highlights the indispensable role played by “three essential pillars.” First and foremost, the guest artists, “who come without financial compensation,” she notes. Next, the partners, “who provide the guests with high-quality services.” And then, of course, the volunteers from SB Artists. “In addition to their roles as actors, they take on less glamorous tasks as needed,” she explains. “Usher, set designer, prop master, bartender, sometimes even sink unclogger…”

A Paradise to Preserve
Nadège Emmanuelian doesn’t forget to acknowledge “our friend and lighting technician,” Guillaume Parra. “He, too, played an essential role in transforming the small parish hall of yesteryear into a true performance venue,” she recalls, adding: “That is how the Théâtre du Paradis became what it is today. ” A place of culture, sharing, education, and performances that must be preserved. “A renovation would restore the luster to this modest building, now imbued with a part of the island’s history,” notes Nadège Emmanuelian. “We have also resumed the process of purchasing the seats and hope they can be installed before the start of the season. The Théâtre du Paradis deserves it, for its good and loyal service to the local community, for its mission of education, cultural transmission, and entertainment.” However, for now, the focus is on the festival’s 25th anniversary.

A Historical Journey
Beyond the program, both audience members and island residents can immerse themselves in the history of the SB Artists association and the origins of the theater by visiting the Square de la Rétrocession in Gustavia. There, a unique exhibition trail awaits them. Older residents will find memories there, while others can set out to discover and immerse themselves in the milestones that led to the creation and development of theater in Saint Barthélemy. “In our own way, we’re also trying to offer a different image of our island, which is often reduced to clichés,” writes Nadège Emmanuelian.
For over a week, theater will take center stage in Saint Barthélemy. While it marks a high point for SB Artists, it is also one of the island’s must-see cultural and artistic events. An event not to be missed. Because it offers moments of escape, emotion, and humanity. “The theater is that unique place where stories are told that resonate, directly or indirectly, with those of real life,” concludes Nadège Emmanuelian. “Gathered in the same space, at the same moment, the audience is moved by an actress’s intonation, another’s powerful message, or a character’s irony. Every performance is unique. ” Just like the Saint-Barthélemy Festival.

Three plays, seven performances

As usual, the SB Artists association has put together a varied program for its Theater Festival. Three plays will be performed on the stage of the Théâtre du Paradis between Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, June 7. But take note: two additional performances are on the schedule. This Friday, May 29, at 8 p.m., with a revival of “Nos amitiés les plus sincères” by Nouritza Emmanuelian (starring Malo Julien, Romain Vinsot, Samantha Vettraino, and Sandrine Mortier), and on Sunday, June 7, at 6 p.m., with a new performance of “Redoutables,” a comedy starring Blanche Dominique, Cécile Tessier, and Inès Tessier.

The Newlywed’s Handbook
May 30 and 31 at 8 p.m.

Play written and directed by Virginie Lemoine, performed by Florence Coste, Nouritza Emmanuelian, Mathilde Moulinat, Cloé Horry, Isabelle Turschwell, and Stéphane Corbin.
Synopsis: In 1957, five brides-to-be diligently study a manual of etiquette that offers them valuable advice: avoid expressing any political opinions, show unwavering devotion to one’s husband, strive to give birth to a dozen children, and disinfect one’s home with clean water and formaldehyde. A humorous, edifying, and historical journey back in time.

Sherlock Holmes - The Sign of the Four
June 2, 3, and 4 at 8 p.m.

Inspired by the second case of the famous detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the show is directed by Christophe Delort, marking his third theatrical adaptation of a Sherlock Holmes adventure. Starring Nicolas Bresteau, Bénédicte Bourel, and Pierre Cachia.
Synopsis: Come solve this interactive mystery with family-friendly humor! A series of murders in London, the India of the maharajas, a fort besieged by revolutionaries, a hidden treasure, a conspiracy, a judge on vacation, and even a four-cheese pizza!

The Disappearance of Joseph Mengele
June 5 and 6 at 8 p.m.

Based on the book of the same name by Olivier Guez, published by Grasset and winner of the 2017 Prix Renaudot. Adapted and performed by Mikaël Chirinian, the play is directed by Benoît Giros.
“A chilling tale,” “a plunge into the heart of darkness.” These are just a few excerpts from the excellent reviews that have accompanied this work since its premiere. Synopsis: In 1949, Joseph Mengele arrives in Argentina. Hiding behind various aliases, the former Auschwitz torturer believes he can build a new life for himself in Buenos Aires. Perón’s Argentina is welcoming; the whole world wants to forget the Nazi crimes. But the hunt resumes, and the SS doctor must flee to Paraguay and then to Brazil. His wandering from hideout to hideout, disguised and consumed by anxiety, will know no respite… until his mysterious death on a beach in 1979. How did the “SS” doctor manage to slip through the cracks for thirty years?