Hofesh Shechter’s dance piece “Theatre of Dreams” in Paris

A huge construction site in tropical heat – that’s how Paris is presenting itself these days. Before the Summer Olympics, which are expected to attract up to 15 million visitors to the city from the end of July, they are already occupying the city’s squares, boulevards and parks with massive construction fences and container castles. There is still a lot to do before the opening ceremony, but one thing is certain: by then the French will have elected a new parliament in a rush, and if the Rassemblement National wins the majority, most cultural actors and observers are pessimistic. A shift to the right is predicted, including for art and culture. Hofesh Shechter’s “Theatre of Dreams”, which premiered exactly one month before the Olympics start in the Théâtre de la Ville on the right bank of the Seine, comes at just the right time.