Nick Woods
On Theft, Revolution and the Value of a Sofa
Is the widespread pickpocketing in Paris a sign of a larger social malaise? Photo: Olivier Reis Just before midnight last week, I heard screams through my window. “Stop him! Stop him! My bag! My bag!” Looking out, I saw a … Read More
Fragments
Men living in bags are goaded from above in “Act without Words II.” © Alastair Muir Fans of Samuel Beckett, or those wanting an initial insight into the brilliance of his work, should not miss out on a handful of … Read More
Wine Bottle Blues
High expectations for French wine are not always met. It’s hard to believe, but taking visitors out for dinner and drinks in Paris has become something of a potential embarrassment. It isn’t to do with the cost – though I … Read More
C’est Logique!
Although an RATP ticket can be used on all forms of public transport in Paris, you can’t complete a journey using one ticket if reaching your destination requires transferring from the Métro to the bus. In this case, you need … Read More
Underneath the Attitude
Nick Woods (right) gets a friendly handshake from the counterman. “France would be great without the French,” was the hackneyed expression I used to hear often back in Britain. Now that I live in Paris, I hear: “How are you … Read More
Bonjour, madame, monsieur
A small argument broke out as I was sitting at the back of the number 26 bus from the Gare du Nord recently. A well-dressed, middle-aged lady was upset at a young man sitting next to her after he … … Read More
Bad Air, Bad Hair
Bad Air, Bad Hair The pollution police on the Place de la République, stopping cars to check their emission levels. “What’s that in your hair, Nick?” asked a friend during a recent, over-priced macrobiotic meal in the fifth arrondissement. “Dunno. … Read More
Algéria, de Miel et de Braise
Red Balloons and Barbarism If you have never been to Algeria and can’t afford the airfare, then drop in at the Théâtre Aire Falguière, where you will be whisked off to the North African nation and treated to a rich … Read More
Saleté
Outcast in Austria Florian Carove plays the Iraqi immigrant Sad. Photo: © Michal Batory At a time when the issue of illegal immigrants is at the top of the political agenda, Saleté, a theatrical adaptation of the novel Dreck by … Read More
Ma Femme
Funny Bloody Funny
I knew I was in for something different when I picked up the flyer for this production from a café table. It was shouting out for a review – something to do with the parental warning (not recommended for children … Read More