Carole Bouquet Collapses Onstage During Premiere of ‘The professor’ in Paris

A poignant theatrical performance was interrupted Wednesday, October 15, when acclaimed actress Carole Bouquet fainted during the premiere of “The Professor” at La Scala in Paris, leaving audiences concerned adn the director to complete the show.

The incident occurred amidst a week of national remembrance for teachers Dominique Bernard and Samuel Paty, who were tragically murdered in the line of duty, adding another layer of emotional weight to the production.

A Play Rooted in National Trauma

“The Professor,” adapted from the book by Émilie Frèche and directed by Muriel Mayette-Holtz, opened at La Scala on October 15. The play serves as a theatrical commemoration of paty and Bernard, whose deaths sparked widespread grief and debate across France. The premiere was intended to honor their memory and explore the challenges faced by educators.

Onstage Incident and Audience Reaction

Bouquet,68,was performing the role of Samuel Paty when she collapsed onstage. According to reports, the incident occurred after nearly three hours of performance. Spectators were initially unsure if the actress’s distress was part of the play itself. “The moment she fainted, there was a collective gasp from the audience,” one attendee reported.

The director, Muriel Mayette-Holtz, stepped in to finish the performance with the consent of the audience. Bouquet later returned to the stage to acknowledge the applause.

A Demanding Scene Contributed to Actress’s Collapse

The collapse reportedly occurred during a notably intense scene in the play. According to Theater Magazine, Bouquet was portraying the moment when Samuel Paty learns of the opposition from his colleagues and the barrage of online insults directed toward him. This scene, described as creating a “stressful atmosphere,” may have contributed to the actress’s sudden illness.

A representative from the scala theater stated, “Carole is better. A slump happens. She should start playing again tomorrow.”

Production Details and future Performances

“The Professor” will continue its run at La Scala in Paris through December 14, 2025. The production promises to be a powerful and moving tribute to the lives of Dominique Bernard and Samuel Paty, and a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by educators.