Thursday, April 30, 2026 From 6:30 PM To 8:00 PM Add to Calendar 2026-04-30 18:30:00 2026-04-30 20:00:00 Soie: Behind the Curtain Join us at the French Library for an exclusive preview of Soie, the stage adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s celebrated novel, to be performed May 1–3, 2026 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, Massachusetts, United States America/New_York
At The French Library Get Directions
For all lovers of theater, literature, and the French language, please join us at the French Library for an exclusive preview of Soie, the poetic stage adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s internationally acclaimed novel.
French actress Sylvie Dorliat, who adapted and performs this one-woman show, will join us for a special conversation about bringing this delicate and lyrical story to the stage. Trained at the Comédie-Française and the École Jacques Lecoq, Dorliat has built a rich career across classical and contemporary theater traditions, performing internationally and in major French venues and festivals.
The conversation will be moderated by David Miller, founder of Boston’s French Theater Project, who will guide an engaging exchange about literary adaptation, solo performance, and the art of translating a beloved novel into theater.
This special preview at the French Library offers a unique opportunity to meet the artist and discover the creative process behind the production ahead of its Boston performances.
The conversation will take place in French and will be followed by a Q&A and a glass of wine.
About the Show – Soie
Written by Alessandro Baricco
Adapted and performed by Sylvie Dorliat
Soie speaks of impossible love, sensuality, obsession, and what Baricco describes as “the happiness we flee for fear it might escape us.” Adapted from the cult novel Seta, the production is a delicate and sensual invitation to travel, dream, and fall in love with a story suspended between East and West.
Performances: May 1–3, 2026
Venue: The Mosesian Center for the Arts
321 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472
Performed in French with English captions
Friday, May 1 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 PM
🎟 Tickets from $25
👉 French Library members receive 10% off with promo code SOIELIB10
More information: The French Theater Project
Suitable for ages 12+
Running time: 70 minutes (no intermission)
Watch the Trailer
Meet the Artist
Sylvie Dorliat is a French actress trained at the École du Théâtre National de Chaillot, the Oscar Sisto acting course, and the Jean-Laurent Cochet course, and later at the renowned École Jacques Lecoq, where she also studied classical verse with Robin Renucci. She further developed her practice through work in improvisation, juggling, and Commedia dell’Arte with Antony Magnier, as well as with Antoine Caubet at the Théâtre de l’Aquarium at the Cartoucherie in Paris.
Her stage career spans more than twenty productions, ranging from comedic works such as Woody Allen’s Une Aspirine pour Deux and Jean-Michel Ribes’ Palace to more intense and poetic pieces including Jean-Pierre Siméon’s Stabat Mater Furiosa, which was presented at festivals such as Ellas Crean and Le Printemps des Poètes.
She also performed in the stage adaptation of Philippe Claudel’s La petite fille de Monsieur Linh, a production staged nearly 400 times in Paris (including at the Lucernaire) as well as at the Festival d’Avignon and on international tour, receiving wide critical acclaim.
With Soie, Dorliat brings Alessandro Baricco’s celebrated novel to life through a refined solo performance that blends narration, movement, and emotional nuance.
About the moderator
David Miller is the Founder and General Manager of The French Theater Project, a Boston-based initiative dedicated to bringing contemporary French theater to American audiences. A life-long lover of the stage and a self-taught cultural entrepreneur, he has been instrumental in building partnerships between French and American institutions. He serves as a Trustee of the French Library of Boston and Cambridge and sits on the Board of Directors of the Lyric Stage Company of Boston.
Our partner
Performance Details at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, WatertownFriday, May 1 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 2 at 7:30pm
Sunday, May 3 at 2:00pm
Tickets can be purchased at: French Theater Project – Soie
The Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472
🇫🇷 Performed in French with English captions
Suitable for ages 12+ • Running time: 70 minutes (no intermission)
Interested in French theater? Why not try out the Library's theater club
Upcoming Events
Ciné Club Series: The Double Life of Véronique by Krzysztof Kieślowski
DISCUSSION WITH MICHAEL WARTOFSKY
A story of two connected lives, The Double Life of Véronique by Krzysztof Kieślowski is a must-see for lovers of European cinema and great film music.
Read More
A Jazz Evening with Jacques Schwarz-Bart
Presented with the Mosaïque Fund
Join us to celebrate the launch of Jacques Schwarz-Bart’s powerful new trio project, Resistance.
Read More
An Evening at the French Table with Jason Bond
GASTRONOMY & WINE PROGRAM: YOUR FRENCH CULINARY ARTS AND WINE JOURNEY
The French Library is delighted to present this new dining series through the Gastronomy & Wine program.
Read More