L’Alliance New York Announces North American Premiere of Mille secrets de poussins

L’Alliance New York announces the North American premiere of Collectif Quatre Ailes’ Mille secrets de poussins on October 24, 2026 at 11:30AM and 3PM, set for Le Skyroom at L’Alliance New York (22 East 60th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10022). Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased here.

A narrator begins reading Claude Ponti’s beloved book, Mille secrets de poussins, but things don’t go as planned… Full of mischief, the poussins (chicks) have hidden themselves in the library and start popping out of the books to play tricks on him—especially Blaise, who wears a funny red mask.

Accompanied by animated videos and multimedia effects, the performer, who acts as both storyteller and puppeteer, leads the audience into a playful world. Designed for audiences 3 and up, the show draws on the playful, poetic, and bizarre questions and answers that fill Claude Ponti’s work. Everyone is invited to travel freely to the other side of the pages and discover the magical world of the chicks.

“Between high-tech ingenuity and pure poetic wonder, the company captures the whimsical essence of Claude Ponti’s world. A stunning sensory experience for all generations.”

— La Terrasse

Since 2003, Collectif Quatre Ailes has produced eleven stage and site-specific productions, establishing itself as a leading voice in contemporary visual and youth theater. Designed for audiences from age 3 to adulthood, the company’s work offers an innovative imagery-driven theater characterized by a sophisticated aesthetic and multi-layered dramaturgy that builds organic connections between generations.

At the core of its artistic process, the Collective deploys a hybrid language where video is poetically repurposed to become a living partner on stage. Through the lens of magical realism, its creations explore the “coming-of-age” journey and the power of imagination as an act of resistance. Each production, adapted from literary masterpieces (Murakami, Dickens, Walser, Maeterlinck, Supervielle) or iconic graphic novels and children’s books (Claude Ponti, Brian Selznick), serves as a vibrant invitation to rediscover literature.

Founded by Michaël Dusautoy (director and video artist) and Damien Saugeon (actor and acrobat), joined in 2005 by Annabelle Brunet (video and visual artist), the collective frequently collaborates with composer Nicolas Séguy, writer Frédéric Chevaux, and dramaturg Julie André.

Their productions have been presented across France’s most prestigious venues (National Dramatic Centers, National Stages) and internationally (Morocco, South Korea, Chile, Russia, Taiwan). Deeply committed to social engagement, the Collective leads extensive arts education and outreach programs within its local communities.

Billing Credits

Stage Director: Michaël Dusautoy

Artistic Directors (Collectif Quatre Ailes): Annabelle Brunet, Michaël Dusautoy, Damien Saugeon

Performer / Lead Actor: Damien Saugeon

Original Author (from the book Mille secrets de poussins): Claude Ponti

Video Artists / Visual Design: Annabelle Brunet & Michael Dusautoy

Composer / Music: Nicolas Séguy

Sound Design: Damien Rottier

Set Construction: Emmanuel Laborde

Production Credits

Production: Collectif Quatre Ailes

Coproduction: Espace Jean Vilar (Arcueil).

Residency Support: Tréteaux de France – National Dramatic Center (CDN); Le PIVO – National Interest Commissioned Stage (Scène Conventionnée).

Institutional Support: Collectif Quatre Ailes is supported by the Région Île-de-France and the Conseil Départemental du Val-de-Marne

L’Alliance New York is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to providing its audience and students with engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world. A welcoming and inclusive community for all ages and all backgrounds, L’Alliance New York is a place where people can meet, learn, and explore the richness of our heritages and share discoveries. L’Alliance New York strives to amplify voices and build bridges from the entire francophone world to New York and beyond. 

Support for Crossing The Line

Air France, Howard Gilman Foundation, Wescustogo Foundation. L'Alliance New York's programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the Support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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