When and where to see native-language performances in Lyon?

Lumière Festival: the event for original-language films

A major gathering for cinema lovers in France, the Lumière Festival draws a flock of stars from around the globe along with many non-French-speaking filmgoers. To adapt to its cosmopolitan audience, the festival screens most of the films in their original language, some with French subtitles.
Running from Saturday the 10^th to Sunday the 18^th of October 2026, the festival will include a retrospective of the work of Joel and Ethan Coen. It will also offer a chance to watch ‘Summer in the city’ again or the first time, in the presence of Wim Wenders – one of this year’s special guests – and 'Nosferatu’ during the night Robert Edges.

Music lovers will not want to miss the ciné-concerts, or films screened to live musical accompaniment. This year, to mark the centenary of Fritz Lang’s 'Metropolis', the Lyon National Orchestra will perform a new score during a special screening at the Lyon Auditorium. Another gem to discover in a film-concert format is Clarence G. Badger’s 'Le Coup de foudre', accompanied on the organ.  

Sens Interdits festival: the international theatre biennale not to be missed!

Every two years, in October, the Lyon metropolitan area will welcome the world with open arms for the festival Sens Interdits. This socially-engaged festival puts the spotlight on artists from around the globe, who come to express the upheavals of their countries and the world in their native tongues. During the ninth edition, artists from places like Chile, China, Lebanon, Palestine, Russia, Rwanda, Taiwan and Ukraine have shared deeply moving stories.
You can see them perform at several venues around Lyon and the metropolitan area, including: Théâtre du Point du Jour, Théâtre des Célestins, Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse, Les Subs and Théâtre National Populaire (TNP) in Villeurbanne… 

Théâtre des Célestins and Théâtre National Populaire: original-language programmes

In the Presqu’île district, Théâtre des Célestins also welcomes international shows every year. In 2026/2027, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland will take centre stage with four performances in the original language with French subtitles.

• L'Angelo del Focolare, in Italian and the Apulian dialect (from 6 to 10 October 2026) ; 
• One night at the Golden Bar, in Spanish (from 3 to 7 November 2026) ;
• A place of Safety, in Italian, English, Spanish and Portugese (from 9 to 12 February 2027) ;
• Ayoub, L'amour m'apprend à ne pas aimer, in Spanish and Darija (from 31 March to 10 April 2027).

Elsewhere, in Villeurbanne, Théâtre National Populaire is putting on shows in their original language with French surtitles, like Amadoca, a show in French and Ukrainian (4 to 6 November); 'Ma Maison est noire', a performance in French and Persian with surtitles (10-20 March 2027) ; 'Le Voyage d'hiver', a performance in German with French surtitles (23–27 March 2027). 

Universal concerts and ciné-concerts at the Auditorium de Lyon

A universal medium by nature, music speaks to all regardless of language. With this in mind, there are many concerts to be enjoyed at the Auditorium de Lyon. From symphony orchestras to chamber music, world music and piano recitals, there is something to please the seasoned concertgoer or the curious listener.

If you’re more of a film fan, then you can watch a screening accompanied by live music at a ciné-concert. In addition to those screened during the Lumière Festival, the Auditorium is showing several films in their original language, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo scored by Bernard Herrmann (26, 27, 28 November 2026) and Interstellar, scored by Hans Zimmer (13, 14, 15 May 2027). 

Dance – an artform without borders 

Every two years, Lyon comes alive to the rhythm of the Dance Biennale. As ever, this event is embracing the globe, bringing in a wealth of choreographers and dancers from all over, with a special focus on Brazil this year. And when it is the body speaking, everybody can understand, as the poetry of movement transcends linguistic barriers.
Once the Biennale is over, you can take in yet more dance performances at the Maison de la Danse and the Lyon Opera House.

Original-language comedy at Complexe Comedy club

Sometimes, The Speaker and Complexe Comedy Club puts on an original-language stand-up night, in English or Spanish. One or more artists will perform in their mother tongue, creating laughter without borders.

One man Show / One woman show

English Comedy Night

24 rue Royale - 69001 Lyon 1er

speaker-lyon.com/comedyclub

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English Comedy Night