Theatre de la Huchette in Paris has been staging Eugène Ionesco's 'La Cantatrice Chauve' (The Bald Soprano) and 'La Leçon' (The Lesson) for a record-breaking 67 years, celebrating its 20,000th performance in March. The theatre's success is attributed to its unique approach, maintaining the original staging and set design, and the dedication of its permanent troupe. The play's themes of communication breakdown and societal absurdity remain relevant, resonating with contemporary audiences. The theatre continues to attract a diverse audience, including tourists and students, and has introduced English subtitles to broaden its appeal.

The French government's immigration reform, which includes measures that make it more difficult for non-EU migrants to bring family members to France and access welfare, is under review by the Constitutional Council to ensure it does not violate the constitution. The bill, supported by right-wing parties and opposed by the left, has been criticized for being regressive. President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged potential constitutional issues and has referred the law to the council. The council is examining provisions such as migration quotas, family reunification, and social benefits, which may infringe on equality and fundamental rights. Legal experts predict that while some parts may be deemed unconstitutional, others may be accepted with conditions. The council's decision is expected on 25 January, amidst public protests and political contention.

The article reports on the trial of three police officers in France, accused of using excessive force during the arrest of Théo Luhaka in 2017, which resulted in severe injuries leaving him permanently disabled. The incident occurred in Aulnay-sous-Bois, a suburb of Paris, and was captured on CCTV. It sparked riots and demonstrations across French suburbs, reminiscent of the reaction to the death of another young black man, Adama Traoré, in police custody. The trial begins seven years after the event, with the officers charged with deliberate use of excessive force. Luhaka has spoken out about the life-changing impact of the incident.

Farmers in the Catalan region of southwest France, facing severe drought conditions, revived a centuries-old religious procession in honor of Saint-Gaudérique, their patron saint, to pray for rain. The procession, which had not been practiced for 150 years, saw participants carrying the saint's relics through Perpignan. The French Bureau of Geological and Mineral Research reported extremely low groundwater levels in the region. Despite political concerns from some officials, the farmers, desperate for relief, participated in the ritual. Coincidentally, rain did fall shortly after the procession, but it was not sufficient to alleviate the drought conditions. The region has experienced a significant rainfall deficit, leading to strict water restrictions and frustration among farmers over water management.

France's top court is examining the government's immigration reform to ensure it aligns with the constitution. The reform, which was passed with support from the right-wing Republicans and the far-right National Rally, makes it tougher for non-EU migrants to reunite with family in France and access welfare benefits. The law has faced opposition from left-wing parties, some members of President Macron's Renaissance party, and rights groups, who criticize it as regressive. The health minister resigned in protest, and a third of France's departments have refused to implement the new welfare provisions. The National Assembly's president, Yaël Braun-Pivet, has also made referrals for review. The court's decision could lead to changes in the legislation.

France's top court is examining the government's immigration reform to ensure it aligns with the constitution. The reform, passed with support from right-wing parties, imposes stricter conditions on non-EU migrants, particularly concerning family reunification and welfare access. The law has faced opposition from left-wing parties, some members of President Macron's Renaissance party, and the health minister, who resigned. Rights groups have criticized the law as regressive, and several departments have refused to enforce it. The review by the court follows challenges from left-wing legislators and the National Assembly's president, Yaël Braun-Pivet.

The French government is attempting to reinitiate dialogue between pro and anti-independence groups in New Caledonia following a failed third referendum for full sovereignty in 2021. The history of New Caledonia's colonization and subsequent independence movement, including the violent events of the 1980s, is recounted. The National Assembly in Paris honored leaders from both sides, but the pro-independence delegation did not attend. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne held separate meetings with the factions, as the FLNKS rejected the referendum results due to low turnout amid the Covid pandemic. The article discusses the Nouméa Accords, the conditions for voting, and the political implications of the referendum. It also highlights the perceived lack of neutrality from Paris and the ongoing disagreements over self-determination and electoral rolls.

The criminal trial of three police officers charged with using excessive force during the arrest of Théo Luhaka in 2017 has begun. Luhaka, who was 22 at the time, suffered severe injuries from a police baton in Aulnay-sous-Bois, resulting in permanent disability. The incident sparked riots and protests in France. Marc-Antoine Castelain, Jérémie Dulin, and Tony Hochart are the officers on trial, with charges ranging from assault with a weapon to deliberate violence with aggravating circumstances. The IGPN found the use of force disproportionate, and France's independent rights defender called for punishment. The trial is set to continue until 19 January, and the accused officers remain on active duty.

The Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps, which has been producing Chartreuse liqueur since the 17th century, has decided not to increase production despite high demand, particularly from the United States. The monks prioritize their contemplative lifestyle and environmental concerns over business growth. The secret recipe is known by only two monks at a time, and the liqueur is made from over 130 alpine plants, some of which are becoming rarer due to climate change. Chartreuse Diffusion, the marketing company for the liqueur, reported sales exceeding $30 million in 2022. The company is also exploring more environmentally friendly shipping methods, including sailboats for the New York market. The US interest in Chartreuse surged with the popularity of The Last Word cocktail. Meanwhile, the monks are diversifying into herbal medicine, working with other Carthusian orders to grow and sell herbal teas.

The article discusses the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Alhoussein Camara by French police during a traffic stop in Angoulême, southwest France. Camara's death, which occurred two weeks before a similar incident involving Nahel Merzouk, did not receive immediate attention as it was not filmed. The article highlights the lack of evidence apart from the police's account, as Camara was alone and his actions were not recorded. The police claim self-defense under a 2017 law, but friends and family believe it was a police blunder. Camara, a Guinean immigrant with no criminal record and no substances in his system, was characterized by a police union as a 'delinquent.' The article raises questions about the police's narrative and the slow judicial response. It also touches on the broader issue of racial profiling and the fear it instills in minority communities in France.