Culturissimo
Free cultural encounters centered on reading and literature
About Culturissimo Sens
Culturissimo in Sens: When Great Culture Comes to Everyone
Culturissimo is a unique national program, supported by Espaces Culturels E.Leclerc. Its ambition: to organize entirely free cultural encounters in cities and towns across France, inviting personalities from the world of arts, theater, literature, and music to share their art and passion with all audiences, including those who usually shy away from institutional cultural circuits.
Readings by Great Actors
The heart of Culturissimo is reading aloud. Recognized actors and actresses—from the Comédie-Française, private theater, or cinema—come to read excerpts from literary works with all their interpretive skill. Reading here is not mere recitation but an artistic act in itself that brings texts to life, giving them substance and resonance.
Leading Personalities
Over the editions, Culturissimo has hosted prominent figures in Sens:
- Denis Podalydès, member of the Comédie-Française, for a reading of Célidan disparu in 2023
- Guillaume Gallienne, César award for best actor, for an encounter about Le Buveur de brume
- And many other actors and artists invited within the national framework of the program
A Two-Part Format
Each Culturissimo session unfolds in two complementary parts:
- The Reading: The artist brings the text to life aloud, working on punctuation, tone, rhythm, diction, and silences. A true lesson in oratory art as much as in literature.
- The Exchange: A discussion then opens with the audience, allowing for a deeper exploration of the artist's relationship with the read work, their profession as an actor, literature, and the texts that have marked them.
Free Admission as a Founding Principle
True to the philosophy of cultural democratization that drives Espaces Culturels E.Leclerc, Culturissimo is entirely free. Invitations can be collected at the Espace Culturel E.Leclerc of Sens Nord, at no cost. This complete accessibility allows reaching audiences who might not naturally think of attending a theater performance: families, retirees, high school students, and people distant from usual cultural practices.
Culturissimo in Sens: An Anticipated Event
In Sens, Culturissimo sessions are held at the Théâtre Municipal, a beautiful Italian-style theater in the heart of the city, or in other cultural venues in Sens. Each encounter is an exceptional moment, bringing together great art and proximity, literary rigor and the warmth of sharing. For many residents of Sens, these sessions represent their first direct contact with a major figure in French performing arts.
Culturissimo Sens — edition 2026
Culturissimo returns to Sens on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 8 PM at the Théâtre Municipal de Sens with Laurent Stocker, a member of the Comédie-Française, for a reading of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Terre des hommes. Free meeting by invitation, to be collected at E.Leclerc Sens Nord Cultural Space. Evening organized as part of the 13th national edition of the Culturissimo festival (April 1 — June 30, 2026).
Culturissimo 2026 in Sens: Laurent Stocker reads Saint-Exupéry
For this 2026 edition, the E.Leclerc Cultural Space of Sens Nord welcomes Laurent Stocker, an actor and member of the Comédie-Française, on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 8 PM at the Théâtre Municipal de Sens. The actor will give his reading of Terre des hommes, the account in which Antoine de Saint-Exupéry notably recounts the accident that almost cost him his life in the Libyan desert in 1935.
A foundational text of aviation literature
Published in 1939 and awarded the Grand Prix du roman by the Académie française, Terre des hommes is one of Saint-Exupéry's major texts. The aviator-writer recounts the profession of an Aéropostale pilot, his lost comrades (Mermoz, Guillaumet), and the desert accident that would later inspire Le Petit Prince. A tale of adventure, human fraternity, and meditation on the human condition, brought to life by Laurent Stocker's interpretive talent.
Laurent Stocker, member of the Comédie-Française
Having joined the Comédie-Française in 2001 and appointed a member in 2008, Laurent Stocker is one of the great French actors of his generation. In cinema, he received the César for Most Promising Actor in 2008 for his role as Philibert in Ensemble, c'est tout, Claude Berri's adaptation of Anna Gavalda's bestseller. He happily alternates between classical roles (Molière, Marivaux, Tchekhov) and contemporary creations.
The Culturissimo format: reading + meeting
Like every Culturissimo session, the evening unfolds in two parts: the reading of the text aloud by the actor, followed by an open exchange with the audience about the work, the interpretive process, and the artist's career. A rare, free, and open-to-all encounter, allowing the public of Sens to meet a great name in French theater.
Free admission by invitation
The evening is entirely free. Invitations can be collected at the E.Leclerc Cultural Space of Sens Nord (Le Pré Aubert, Saint-Denis-lès-Sens), subject to availability. For any information, contact the Cultural Space at 03 86 64 40 00.
Programme Culturissimo Sens 2026
Thursday, June 4, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Terre des hommes by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, reading by Laurent Stocker, member of the Comédie-Française · Théâtre Municipal de Sens (21 Boulevard des Garibaldi)
- 9:00 PM (approx.) — Exchange with the audience
Evening lasts approximately 1h30. Reading followed by a meeting/signing session depending on the artist's availability.
Highlights Culturissimo Sens 2026
- Exceptional reading of Terre des hommes by Laurent Stocker, member of the Comédie-Française and César for Most Promising Actor 2008
- Tribute to Saint-Exupéry's writing and the foundational account of the Aéropostale, in the magnificent Italian-style hall of the Théâtre Municipal de Sens
- Completely free evening by invitation — accessible to all audiences
- Intimate format: reading + meeting/dialogue with the public
Prices Culturissimo Sens 2026
Practical information — Culturissimo Sens
Practical Information
Location
Théâtre Municipal de Sens or other cultural venues in Sens (89100).
Specific locations are indicated on the invitations.
Free Admission by Invitation
Culturissimo sessions are entirely free. Invitations are to be collected at the Espace Culturel E.Leclerc de Sens Nord, subject to availability. It is advisable to inquire in advance as tickets are claimed quickly.
Program
Dates and invited artists are announced by the Espace Culturel E.Leclerc de Sens Nord and relayed by local press (L'Yonne Républicaine) and the city's cultural platforms.
Access
By train: Sens SNCF station, Paris-Lyon line (1 hour from Paris-Gare de Lyon). The Théâtre Municipal is within walking distance of the station.
By car: A6 motorway, Sens exit. Parking in the city center.
Contact
Espace Culturel E.Leclerc Sens Nord
Sens (89100)
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Where does it take place — Culturissimo Sens
Théâtre Municipal de Sens
21 Boulevard des Garibaldi, 89100 Sens, 89100 Sens