Lacrima – Sydney Festival 2026
Australian Premiere
From the Théâtre national de Strasbourg
A royal wedding is on the horizon: the Princess of England is about to marry, and across the world, designers and artisans scramble to create a gown worthy of the occasion. In Paris, a fashion house works in secrecy; in Alençon, Normandy, lacemakers craft delicate details; in Mumbai, embroiderers thread shimmering motifs into the fabric.
LACRIMA interweaves these stories to reveal the hidden human labour behind every stitch. Director and playwright Caroline Guiela Nguyen blends thorough research, intimate theatre, and cinematic scale in this ambitious work. Split-screen effects, shifting sets, and live close-up video create the sensation of a living film, immersing audiences in the tension and emotional stakes of the journey.
Performed in French, Tamil, English, and sign language with surtitles, LACRIMA explores themes of globalisation, labour, and beauty, crafting a compelling and deeply human story.
Over three captivating hours, this landmark production exposes the invisible threads that connect us all, offering a rare chance to witness theatre on a truly global scale.
Duration 2 hours, 55 minutes (no interval)
— Part of Sydney Festival 2026