Since its inception in 2001, this free festival has been a resounding success, allowing the general public to discover numerous companies.
This year, several troupes and local artists will perform on the Niçois hill: le théâtre du Fou, la compagnie Miranda, Elisabeth Piron, la compagnie Arc en ciel Slave, la compagnie de la troupe du Rhume, la compagnie de la feuille d’or, and la compagnie Viva la commedia. It’s an invitation to discover or rediscover theater in the enchanting setting of the Arènes de Cimiez, which transforms, for the duration of the festival, into a grand open-air theater.
This year’s program:
Thursday, May 29
9:30 PM: “Le temps des couleurs” by la Compagnie Incontro
“The Time of Colors” is a spectacle where mime, theater, and dance intertwine, clash, touch, oppose, bind, and reveal themselves… It’s an ironic journey that transforms the everyday into absurdity, exalts situational comedy, and enhances beauty.
Friday, May 30
8:00 PM: “Mais n’te promène donc pas toute nue” by Georges Feydeau, performed by le théâtre du Fou.
Deputy Ventroux reproaches his wife Clarisse for walking around too often in revealing attire. However, Clarisse’s naivety is such that she will appear in this attire before the village Mayor, her husband’s political opponent, and also in front of a journalist from Le Figaro. The display of her charms will push her husband to the brink of political ruin, despite a well-started career.
9:30 PM: “Adieu Boulevard,” by la compagnie Miranda
It’s a tale of 19th-century theater, featuring the pantomimes of Pierrot’s time. Experience the frenetic pace of vaudeville with its songs, the barrel organ, and the French Cancan. Between tradition and modernity, you will discover a tender and poetic comedy full of continual twists.
Saturday, May 31
8:00 PM: “Elle réchauffe la planète,” Elisabeth Piron alone on stage
Following “Les femmes du président,” she returns to the stage in a new one-woman show written (on recycled paper!) by Pierre Ballay and staged (after selective sorting!) by Olivier Debos. A series of funny and touching characters are presented in this 100% eco-friendly show.
9:30 PM: “Du rififi à la morgue,” by la compagnie Arc en ciel Slave
A deserted morgue, a chubby, alcoholic forensic doctor, his sister, a rookie police inspector, an embarrassing corpse, gunshots, bursts of laughter… and a cascade of gags!
Sunday, June 1st
8:00 PM: “Georges et Alfred!” by la compagnie de la troupe du Rhume and la compagnie de la feuille d’or.
This play transports us to the heart of the last night of love between two legendary lovers: Alfred de Musset and Georges Sand. This show presents a breathtaking evocation of the impossible love between these two romantics who made a theater of their tumultuous relationship.
9:30 PM: “L’histoire du tigre,” by la compagnie Viva la commedia
During the Long March in the Himalayas, a Chinese soldier is mortally wounded. His comrades propose to end his suffering, but he refuses, preferring to resist. He then takes refuge in a cave, where he encounters a tigress and her cub… Alone on stage, Dario Fo denounces injustices and dogmatism, yet his revolt is expressed not with shouts, but through a burst of laughter.
