From April 18 to 25, 2026, the Théâtre National de Nice will host the fourth edition of its Magic Festival. The program blends illusion, dance, circus, and technology, with offerings intended for all audiences.
The Magic Festival at the Théâtre National de Nice returns for its fourth edition. The event takes place from April 18 to 25, 2026. This new program is part of a clear commitment to exploring contemporary forms of live performance.
The theater’s director, Muriel Mayette-Holtz, describes the ambition of this event: “Our Magic Festival has now become a major event for the TNN. By fully embracing new magic, we affirm our desire to explore the forms that are inventing the theater of tomorrow.”
The premise goes beyond the scope of traditional magic. The festival highlights a craft in transformation. Illusion becomes an artistic language. The shows presented question perception, narrative, and stage design.
“Because today’s magic is no longer just the art of deceiving the eye; it has become a field of research, a space for creation where narrative, movement, technology, illusions, and dramaturgy intersect.”
A program between illusion, body, and devices
The festival opens with a Grand Magic Gala on April 18. The evening will take place at La Cuisine. The artistic direction is by Olmac, who has been awarded a Grand Prix in magic. Several international illusionists are participating. The program features mentalism, close-up, and traditional magic.
The show Heka [All Is Just a Sham] will be presented on April 21 and 22. The staging is by Sean Gandini and Kati Ylä-Hokkala. Gandini Juggling offers a form that blends circus, dance, and magic. The project is inspired by the Egyptian god Heka. Magicians Yann Frisch and Kalle Nio participate in this creation. The show questions the limits of illusion.
On April 22 and 23, the Franciscans’ Hall will host FauxFaire FauxVoir. The concept is by Thierry Collet with the Compagnie Le Phalène. The setup offers an interactive journey. Three magicians work on the mechanisms of mental manipulation. The show questions the tools of information transmission. Screens and connected objects become elements of the staging.
The young audience will find a place in the program with Chifumi, presented on April 25. The concept and direction are by Delphine Lanza. Cie STT – Super Trop Top develops a proposal for children from two years old. The show is based on mirror scenography. Simple and animated forms compose an accessible visual universe.
On the same day, Hasard will be presented in the evening. Choreographer Pierre Rigal constructs a piece around the unexpected. Six dancers move in a transforming set. The situations are based on random combinations. The show questions the notion of chance in choreographic creation.
Parallel offerings open to the public
The festival also offers appointments outside of performances. On April 23, a workshop entitled “Magic & Digital Media” will be organized with the Compagnie Le Phalène. The session will take place in the rehearsal rooms. The workshop will invite participants to observe the uses of smartphones in creating illusions.
On the same day, a “Literary Thursday” will be devoted to magic. The meeting will be held at Culture Brunch, the TNN café-theater. Actors from the troupe will read texts on the theme.
Two “trials dedicated to magic” will be organized on April 18 and 25 on the forecourt of the Franciscans’ Hall. The characters of Bellatrix Lestrange and Draco Malfoy will be staged. The setup draws on the Harry Potter imagination. The form proposes a reflection on responsibility and destiny.
A professional congress, titled “Tricks Fair,” will be held on April 17. The event is reserved for professionals, facilitating encounters between artists and industry players.
An open laboratory to the public
The theater’s management claims an experimental dimension. The festival is presented as a space for artistic research. “We are proud to offer this laboratory to the public, a place where one can discover the beginnings of an art in full transformation.”
The pricing policy remains accessible. Shows are offered at 10 euros. The Grand Gala is 15 euros. A solidarity rate of 5 euros is available. Reservations can be made online or at the theater box office.
Thus, the Magic Festival fits into a dynamic of renewing stage forms. The 2026 edition continues this work. It connects artists, audiences, and contemporary practices.
