The controversy surrounding the cancellation of Alexis Michalik's play Passeport in Castres has taken on national dimensions. Questioned in the National Assembly on June 16, Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard publicly condemned this decision made by the National Rally-led municipality of the Tarn city, arguing that a work cannot be dismissed for reasons related to its political content or subject matter.
A decision contested in the name of freedom of expression
Originally scheduled for February 2027, the performance of Passeport was withdrawn from the cultural program after the National Rally took control of the Castres town hall last March. Alexis Michalik's play recounts, among other things, journeys of exile and addresses the issue of migration.
In the National Assembly, responding to a question from Tarn MP Jean Terlier (Renaissance), Catherine Pégard denounced the cancellation as being based on an alleged incompatibility between the theme of the show and the municipality's political agenda. The minister also reiterated that artistic freedom has been legally protected since a 2016 law was passed, which requires both the state and local authorities to ensure respect for freedom of programming. She presented this principle as one of the cornerstones of democratic functioning.
The mayor of Castres, Florian Azéma (RN), had justified his decision a few days earlier by stating that the show, in his opinion, presented a favorable view of illegal immigration and offered a questionable representation of law enforcement.
Reprogramming proposals are emerging
The cancellation has sparked several political and cultural reactions. The city of Lomme, in northern France, led by Socialist Olivier Caremelle, announced its intention to host the play as early as December 19, 2026. In a statement relayed by AFP, the elected official defended the idea that culture must remain a space for debate and resistance against all forms of censorship.
According to information reported by Libération, another solution could also emerge in the Tarn. The departmental council is working on a possible rescheduling of the show for 2027. Its president, Christophe Ramond (Socialist Party), stated his desire to allow the public access to this work, recalling in a press release that culture should not become "a propaganda tool at the service of the current power" and that a work should be discussed rather than erased.
Created by Alexis Michalik, Passeport also continues to be performed in other French venues.
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