International Visual Theatre, Sign language theatre in Pigalle, Paris, France

The International Visual Theatre is a roughly 180-seat theatre on Cité Chaptal, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It stages productions performed entirely in French Sign Language, relying on visual storytelling and physical movement rather than spoken words.

Jean Grémion and the deaf American artist Alfredo Corrado founded the company in 1977, the first theatre troupe for deaf actors in France, with Bill Moody as its first interpreter. It began at the Tour du Village of the Château de Vincennes, where it offered the first French Sign Language classes in the country. Since 2004 it has occupied the former Grand Guignol theatre on Cité Chaptal.

The International Visual Theatre welcomes both deaf and hearing audiences to share the same performance space. For many visitors, it is the first time they watch a full show told entirely through body and hand movement.

The theatre sits on a quiet dead-end street in the 9th arrondissement, within walking distance of the Metro stations Blanche, Saint-Georges, and Pigalle. The entrance is step-free, making it easy to access for visitors with different needs.

Alongside its stage productions, the venue runs a publishing house and a training center for sign language. This makes it one of the few places in France where performing, teaching, and publishing all happen under one roof.