Interview with Alice Hervé, Head of Mediation and Audience Development Projects at the Odéon Théâtre

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund : Why did the Odéon Theatre decide to take on such a project ?

Alice Hervé:
“The Odéon Theatre has always been committed to making theatre accessible to all, including those who are most distant from traditional cultural offerings. By partnering with the SPIP 94 and the Fresnes Correctional Facility, we wanted to go beyond the theatre’s walls both literally and figuratively. The project ‘Fresnes on Stage’ is a concrete expression of our desire to use live performance as a lever for social transformation, particularly in the context of reintegration.”

FK: Can you describe the Fresnes on Stage project, its goal, and its main impacts in terms of the social reintegration of inmates ?

Alice Hervé:
“Fresnes on Stage is a participatory theatre project conducted within the Fresnes Correctional Facility, as part of the SPIP 94’s Cultural Reintegration Pathway. It consists of a series of 28 artistic workshops offered to a group of inmates, led by two professional actors. The project’s objectives are multiple: on one hand, to introduce participants to acting, and on the other, to immerse them in the world of live performance, its professions, codes, and demands.

Theatre here becomes a powerful tool for social reintegration: it helps to develop speech, posture, listening, respect for group dynamics, perseverance... all essential skills for future reintegration. The project also offers inmates a space for self-expression, a kind of breath of fresh air within a very restrictive prison environment. And above all, it restores their self-confidence. This is not a recreational workshop, it is a demanding, structured experience, where each participant is valued for what they bring to the group.”

FK: Who are the artists chosen to create the piece ?

Alice Hervé:
“We enlisted two professional actors with experience in cultural outreach and teaching, capable of adapting to a non-professional audience and to the very specific prison environment. Their role goes beyond artistic direction: they must also build trust, encourage self-expression, and create group cohesion while maintaining a high artistic standard.

We also assembled a broader team around them: an associate director, technicians, set designers, and members of the Odéon Theatre and Théâtre 71 in Malakoff, who occasionally participate in workshops focusing on theatrical professions. The goal is truly to offer a full view of the production chain, to open up both professional and personal horizons for the participants.”

FK: What are the main challenges in implementing such a project, especially within the prison system ?

Alice Hervé:
“There are constraints inherent to the prison setting: access is strictly regulated, and security rules must be followed to the letter. It requires great adaptability.
Then there’s the human challenge. It takes time for inmates to feel free to express themselves, to create, to get involved. Many are very vulnerable, with complex relationships to speech, commitment, and self-image. Our role is to support them, never judge but also never lower our artistic standards. It’s a delicate balance to strike.”

FK: Is the relationship with the prison administration smooth ?

Alice Hervé:
“Our communication with the prison administration goes exclusively through SPIP 94, which is our sole and essential point of contact. Their role is central, as they facilitate our access to the inmates and organize the working conditions inside the prison. Thanks to their close collaboration and trust, the project can run smoothly.”

FK: How is contact with the inmates established, and how do you build a performing relationship between them and the professional actors ?

Alice Hervé:
“Contact with the inmates is built over time, thanks to the regularity of the workshops and the caring presence of the professional actors. These actors are trained to create a trusting environment, where each participant feels respected, heard, and free to express themselves without judgment.

The relationship develops gradually: it’s not just about learning lines or stage movements, but about creating a collective space where everyone can explore their creativity, sensitivity, and voice. The inmates discover that they can perform, invent, push their limits supported by artists who guide them with both patience and high expectations.

This dynamic breaks down barriers, transcends stereotypes, and reveals unsuspected talents. It is often a profoundly moving experience for participants, who feel recognized in a new role, one far removed from their everyday life in prison.”

FK: How were the performances at the Odéon Theatre and Théâtre 71 in Malakoff received by the public ?

Alice Hervé:
“The performances at the Odéon and Théâtre 71 were very powerful moments, both for the participants and the audience. There was genuine curiosity and deep emotion in the room. The audience was moved by the powerful message: seeing these inmates on stage, in a creative and dignifying role, challenges common perceptions of prison.
These performances created a dialogue between two worlds that rarely intersect. Many audience members, whether performing arts professionals, members of civil society, or even prison staff left with a deeper understanding of the complex humanity behind bars.”

FK: What were the reactions of the participants and prison staff during these stage performances ?

Alice Hervé:
“The reactions were deeply moving and varied. For the inmate participants, performing on stage is often a transformative experience that strengthens their self-esteem and their sense of belonging to a group. They experience these moments as genuine recognition of their abilities far beyond the stereotypes associated with their incarceration.

As for prison staff, many are impressed and sometimes surprised by the motivation and engagement shown by the participants. Some acknowledge that initiatives like this shed new light on the inmates, revealing their human and artistic potential.”

FK: Is the presence of family members, sentencing judges, and lawyers during public performances important for the reintegration impact ?

Alice Hervé:
“Absolutely. The presence of family members is often a major source of motivation and support for inmates. Being able to share this moment of success and recognition with loved ones gives even more meaning to their commitment to the project.

Participation in such an artistic initiative offers inmates positive public visibility, which can directly impact their legal case. When sentencing judges and lawyers attend these performances, they witness firsthand the participants’ development, commitment, and capacity for reintegration.

This can influence decisions on sentence reductions or adjustments, as justice professionals see that the inmates have developed key human and social skills that go beyond their sentence.”

FK: What long-term benefits do you hope inmates will gain from participating in this artistic project ?

Alice Hervé:
“Beyond personal transformations and the skills acquired during the project, what we hope most of all is that this experience leaves a lasting impact on the participants’ lives. One of the most powerful indicators of success is that some former inmates have reached out to us after their release, expressing a desire to attend future editions and stay connected to the network and community.

This shows that the project doesn’t end with incarceration, it builds a real bond, a sense of belonging to something positive. We also hope it opens up professional opportunities for them whether directly in the cultural sector, or in other areas where these acquired skills can be valued.”