The Pelicot Trial Inspires Dramatic Retelling at Avignon Festival

"The Pelicot Trial," a new play at the Avignon Festival, immerses audiences in the impactful story of Gisèle Pelicot's confrontation with her abusers. Written by Servane Dècle and directed by Milo Rau, the production reflects on the societal implications of pervasive sexual violence.

The riveting atmosphere of the Avignon Festival was charged with emotion as attendees gathered for the theatrical adaptation of the infamous Pelicot trial. The stage, set within a medieval convent, served as a poignant backdrop for a narrative that is particularly relevant amidst ongoing national conversations around sexual assault and accountability.

Titled “The Pelicot Trial,” this new play encapsulates the remarkable four-month trial where Gisèle Pelicot bravely faced her ex-husband and 51 men accused of drugging and assaulting her. Promising to capture the essence of the trial in just four hours, the production is helmed by French playwright Servane Dècle, with Swiss director Milo Rau at the creative helm.

The original trial left an indelible mark on France, culminating in convictions for all defendants, primarily on rape charges. It highlighted alarming societal concerns, namely the use of pharmaceuticals to facilitate sexual abuse and the disturbing reality of the offenders often being familiar figures to their victims.

The production responds directly to Pelicot’s courageous decision to waive her right to a closed trial, insisting that footage of the horrific acts committed against her be shown publicly. This move was intended to confront the audience with the grim realities of sexual violence, allowing viewers to “look rape straight in the eyes,” as Pelicot herself stated.

As the show began, many were visibly moved, including emotional attendees who had returned to reflect on their personal experiences with sexual violence. Among them was Nathalie Le Meur, an art therapist, who observed a palpable shift in awareness among men following the trial: "I think men felt protected before. They let things slide. Because of this trial, they realize they could potentially end up in court."

A sense of urgency pulsated through the line of women waiting for last-minute tickets—many eager to witness the creative interpretation of a trial that resonated deeply within their own narratives. The play, while a singular event for the festival, promises to reach wider audiences in subsequent performances, maintaining the conversation about sexual violence and justice alive in contemporary discourse.