Presentation

The Théâtre de la Place is among the five dramatic art Centres of the French-speaking Community Walloon-Brussels, and since the 2006/2007 season, it has also become a European Centre for theatrical and choreographic creation. This label is a sign of the new impetus given by the artistic project in progress since the 2005/2006 season, under the management of Serge Rangoni, and consisting in particular in the creation of partnerships with various local members (Liege Conservatoire, Les Ateliers de la Colline…), regional members (Royal Opera of Wallonia, Philharmonic Orchestra of Liege, Cultural Centres, Charleroi/Danses) and international members (Theater aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht, the TNB-National Theatre of Brittany, Emilia Romagna Teatro in Modena, …).

This expansion is the result of a policy of increased support to artists and a desire to create more encounters with the general public, around current theatrical forms, reflecting the diversity and trends of today’s society.

A centre of creation, production and display of nationally-referenced shows, the Théâtre de la Place is behind two large-scale events: the Emulation Festival and the “Pays de Danses” Festival.

The Emulation Festival presents new Belgian theatre companies in various parts of the town, with a view to making theatrical practices and habits more accessible, but also as an invitation to discover Liege. The Festival has also set up a prize awarded by an international jury to the best show, with a view to networking and increasing the value of new creations.

With « Emulation Europe / Liaison », organised for the first time this 2007/2008 season to present young European creators, the Théâtre de la Place has become a part of the European network being formed, with in particular the TNB/Rennes in France, the ERT in Modena and the Belém Cultural Centre in Portugal.

The « Pays de Danses » Festival, a two-yearly celebration of modern dance, invites Belgian and foreign companies to perform in several Cultural Centres in the Province of Liege, and also works in partnership with the cultural institutions of the Meuse-Rhine Euregio (Maastricht, Aix-la-Chapelle, Hasselt…) in order to set up a real network of support for choreographic art in the region.

This new trend is taking shape thanks to financing of the institution over several years (2006-2010) obtained from the various public authorities (French-speaking Community, Walloon Region, Province and Town of Liege) but also through a solid reputation built up over the years and by its successive managers, such as Jacques Deck and Jean-Louis Colinet. It also relies on a very rich and internationally acclaimed artistic fabric, in the Liege region, where the following in particular work: Françoise Bloch (Zoo Théâtre), Jacques Delcuvellerie (Groupov), Isabelle Gyselinx (Paf le chien company), Nathalie Mauger (L.E.F.T. company), Dominique Roodthooft (Le Corridor), Mathias Simons (Groupe 92), Pietro Varrasso (Daena project),… to name just a few.

The artistic buzz and the encounter with a large public stem from the actual origins of the Théâtre de la Place, linked to those of the Théâtre du Gymnase (1918). This became the Théâtre du Nouveau Gymnase in the mid-70s, further to the demolition of its headquarters at Place Saint-Lambert, and the institution was set up in its current building which was only originally supposed to last a few seasons... The Nouveau Gymnase became the Théâtre de la Place in 1983.

For 2012, new headquarters will house the activities of the Théâtre de la Place: the Société libre d’Emulation building, renovated by architect Pierre Hebbelinck and located in the heart of Liege.

The Théâtre de la Place is a member of the IRIS network and of the European Theatre Convention.