The Pelicot Trial

Tribute to Gisèle Pelicot

  • Tribute

Austria - France / Created in 2025 / First time in France

Sensitive content (sexual violence)

Around the Gisèle Pelicot case, a night of readings to recount this historic trial, a symbol of the trivialisation of rape and violence against women. 

Cloître des Carmes © Christophe Raynaud de Lage

Presentation

“Shame must change sides”. With these words, as well as with her decision to make her trial public, Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol in the fight to end violence against women. The Mazan rape case reveals how, in this small town in southern France, ordinary men of all ages and social backgrounds are capable of committing an inhumane crime: the repeated rape of an unconscious woman. This night of readings features examinations, pleas, and commentaries surrounding this historic case. Servane Dècle and Milo Rau have collaborated with the Pelicot family’s lawyers, the court, psychological experts, legal commentators, witnesses, and feminist organisations to recount this trial of an entire system: patriarchy.

حول قضية جيزيل بيليكو، ليلة من القراءات لرواية هذه القضية التاريخية، رمز ابتذال الاغتصاب والعنف ضد المرأة. 

Distribution

With performers from the 79th Festival d'Avignon and invited guests

Direction Milo Rau
Dramaturgy and research Servane Dècle

Production

Production Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen)
Cooperation with Festival d'Avignon

Practical infos