Play on Gisele Pelicot rape case to premiere in London
The production will use evidence from the trial of 51 men prosecuted for sexual offences.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA play titled 'The Pelicot Rape Trial', which incorporates evidence from the Gisele Pelicot rape case, is set to have its UK premiere at London County Hall on November 30. The production is the creation of Swiss director and playwright Milo Rau.
The play will feature accounts drawn from the trial, police files, and psychiatric reports concerning the 51 men who were prosecuted. Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, received a 20-year prison sentence for drugging and raping her, and for permitting others to assault her while she was unconscious. This abuse spanned nearly a decade.
French Trial Context
In December 2024, a trial concluded in Avignon, France, resulting in the conviction of 50 men for rape or sexual offences. Gisele Pelicot, who waived her right to anonymity, stated that the shame should be directed at her abusers, not herself.
Performance Details
The one-off event will be performed by 30 actors and public figures as part of the Young Vic Theatre’s 2026/7 season. Nadia Fall, the Young Vic Theatre’s artistic director and chief executive, described the piece as an 'extraordinary testimonial' that 'bears witness to the harrowing story of Gisèle Pelicot'.
Tickets for 'The Pelicot Rape Trial' and other productions in the Young Vic's season will be available for general purchase starting October 7.
Questions this report answers
01When and where will 'The Pelicot Rape Trial' be performed in the UK?
The play will have its UK premiere at London County Hall on November 30. It is part of the Young Vic Theatre’s season.
02What is the background of 'The Pelicot Rape Trial'?
The play is created by Swiss director Milo Rau and uses accounts from the Gisele Pelicot rape case. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was jailed for 20 years for abuse. Fifty men were found guilty of sexual offences after a trial in Avignon, France.
03When can I buy tickets for the play?
Tickets for 'The Pelicot Rape Trial' go on general sale on October 7. The performance is a one-off event.
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