“To be or not to be: That is the question?” Daniel Benoin, the current director, might say, echoing the famous Shakespearean phrase in light of the ongoing dispute between the Mayor of Nice, his steadfast supporter for reappointment (even if partnered with Zabou Breitman) at the helm of the Théâtre National de Nice, at the end of his third term concluding at the year’s end, and the Minister of Culture, Aurélie Filippetti, who is in favor of change (supported by a regulation that is unknown, even contested at the local level) and has thus opened a call for applications.
If the principle of perpetuity in the same position is not open to dispute (Daniel Benoin has been in Nice since 2002, coming from Saint-Etienne), it is quite surprising and difficult to understand why between the two most important funders, a compromise solution cannot be found for the good of the theater, which should be everyone’s primary goal.
Are we witnessing, once again, an ideological or even personal battle as suggested by Christian Estrosi’s words? In the absence of the Minister’s version, we must hold on to this and return to the framework of Shakespearean drama in the style of “The Taming of the Shrew”…
The confirmation of Daniel Benoin or the appointment of a new director is far from trivial and indeed crucial because how can one speak of a ship like the TNN without referencing the one who will be its captain? All this was at the heart of the upcoming season’s program presentation.
The program, as usual by now, is of great quality, crafted by Daniel Benoin who has successfully brought this venue for the arts to excellence and success, rich and diversified, with more than 60 shows offered to the public.
The novelty of this new season was the announcement of the collaboration with the new Anthéa Theater, which has just been inaugurated in Antibes and for which the same Daniel Benoin will be responsible.
Thus, spectators can benefit from an integrated offer and, with a single subscription, attend certain shows produced in the neighboring theater: An unprecedented and innovative formula.
To conclude with Daniel Benoin’s words: “Being replaced one day is inevitable. But what matters is being well replaced and Zabou Breitman has the talent and qualities to do so. It is also crucial that this happens in collaboration to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.”
Madame Minister, as in sports and elsewhere, isn’t it said that you don’t change a winning team?
Response from the authorities in a few weeks… Stay tuned!
