SINGA and J’accueille take over the Théâtre de la Renaissance: from Alexis Michalik’s fiction to real-life action
For one week in July, on the occasion of the play Passeport by Alexis Michalik, the associations SINGA and J’accueille took over the Théâtre de la Renaissance in Paris to meet with the public. In the lobby and on the forecourt, the emotion of the show was extended by making visible very real journeys of exile — with always the same objective: to change perceptions.
Changing the narrative on migration
Passeport tells the story of Issa, a young Eritrean man who arrived in France with no memory, in search of a residence permit, with only his passport as a memory. On stage, his journey shocks, moves, and makes one think. For SINGA and J’accueille, these are familiar stories. Every day, we support people who, like Issa, have to rebuild everything. The link between the play and our actions was therefore obvious.
Throughout the week, an exhibition was set up in the theater’s lobby. It features portraits and stories of people from the SINGA network, who have experienced exile and are now shaping their own futures. A way to root fiction in reality and to show that together, by creating connections, everything becomes possible.
“SINGA is a factory of beautiful real-life stories” – Alexis Michalik
Raising awareness, but above all opening the door to engagement
This initiative made it possible to reach an audience not very familiar with migration issues: spectators who came “for Michalik” and left with brochures, questions… and sometimes a desire to take action. Some discovered the existence of SINGA and J’accueille, others found their first gateway to getting involved. Proof, if needed, that a cultural venue can become a real player in inclusion.
The momentum continues
The exhibition remains visible throughout the summer in the theater’s lobby. In October, a post-show discussion will bring together people from the SINGA network on the occasion of a new performance of Passeport. Because beyond the stage, the stories keep being written in real life — and with you!
