Its hallmark: the culture of debate. Each decision is made at meetings where everyone has a place and can defend their ideas. Les Gens d’Aqui also has a strong added value reflected in a modernized vision of tradition “as a foundation to build the future”, values of intergenerational sharing, solidarity, and tolerance. This group of friends came into being to bring new life to the valley. Its goal: to open Vésubie to cultural meetings that mix “Vésubiens” and “Vésubois”, in other words, the local people and those from elsewhere. The association has successfully met its goal by punctuating each season with an event: a cabaret evening in October, a traditional baletti in November, a nice lottery (where numbers are replaced by names of famous people, plants, and places unique to the region), popular dances with meals in the spring… The highlight being the Gens d’Aqui festival held in June and July.
Since its inception, the festival has embraced a mix of genres. It opens its tent to troops and artists, amateur and professional alike, from various worlds, offering boulevard performances, classical plays, one-man shows, concerts, more local performances, and musical tales. Over the years, the festival featured more than thirty troops, groups, and artists, known and lesser-known, from here and elsewhere, who have captivated the increasingly large crowds of spectators. To name a few famous participants, Noëlle Perna graced the 2002 edition, Jean Franval and his troop were part of the 2003 edition, and Anne Roumanoff was acclaimed in 2006… The Taloche brothers are highly anticipated for the 2007 edition. With each edition, the program expands, and the festival quickly becomes popular, often selling out the Roquebillière tent! The attendance was 1200 people by the 3rd edition, 1500 by the 4th, and more than 2000 by the 5th! Members of Les Gens d’Aqui see their dynamism rewarded, but their enthusiasm alone is no longer enough. They must now be accompanied by a different mode of organization. The 2007 festival is highly anticipated. It represents a new challenge for the association: to structure and professionalize, both in organization and programming while maintaining the same values, the same spirit, and the public’s enthusiasm.
PROGRAM:
Friday, June 15, 2007, at 9 pm under the tent
“Les babas-cadres”
Comedy by Christian Dol performed by Cie la Charade
Friday, June 22, 2007, at 9 pm under the tent
“Couple ouvert à deux battants”
Comedy by Dario Fo and Franca Rame performed by la troupe du Rhum and Cie les Feuilles Mortes
Saturday, June 23, 2007, at 7:30 pm on the village square as part of the summer evening concerts
“Barrizone Comédia Orchestra”
Saturday, June 23, 2007, at 9 pm under the tent as part of the local artists’ nights musical tale
“Lou Pitchoun de la Gordolasque”
Tale by Alain Grinda, lyrics and music by Laurent Zoppis performed by Cie Bilbo
Friday, June 29, 2007, at 9 pm under the tent as part of the local artists’ nights.
“Saynètes”
Performed by the youth theatre workshop followed by
“Entre elles et vous”
By les Zothentiques
