Hendaye: May of the theater celebrates 40 years of live performance

This year, the May of Theatre celebrates its 40th edition in Hendaye. Over the years, this street arts festival has remained true to its original spirit: bringing culture closer to the locals and attracting the best companies.

The curtain rises on the 40th edition of Mai du théâtre , a live performance festival that will welcome, from May 22 to 25, street arts companies now convinced that this event is an essential stop on their tours. Certainly, it does not have the renown of the Festival d'Avignon , soon to be octogenarian, but it shares with it the same founding ambition: to make theater accessible to all. The years have seen these two festivals evolve. The Hendaye festival has managed to keep its spirit intact. A popular, open and committed celebration, first supported by the Théâtre des Chimères, and carried for the past eight years by the Pôle culture de la Ville .

Kotte Ecenarro, mayor of Hendaye, paid tribute to Marie-Hélène Erricart, former deputy for culture, who in 1985 had the idea of ​​creating a theater festival "on the quays of La Floride, which would be a bit different from the usual sporting events." She wanted to "bring theater to a population that wasn't interested in culture." Forty years later, the festival has found a home at the Halles Gaztelu, "a living hive," in the mayor's words.

The children's village has evolved a little. I didn't want it to be just a daycare. It's become active and inclusive.

These words were relayed by the current deputy for culture, Michèle Mounios Adurriaga, who promises an exceptional, spectacular edition, full of encounters and surprises: "The festival will begin on May 20 with days dedicated to students and patients of healthcare establishments, before opening to the general public on May 23 with the aerial world of "Transe Express". It will end on May 25 with a festive and participatory finale." In the meantime, theater, dance, circus, music, cinema, fireworks, improvisations and performances will fuel the applause.

Some may have already noticed the fresco adorning the back of the Gaztelu Zahar pediment on Rue du Vieux-Fort. It was created by artist Lisamary Ladebat to celebrate the festival's history. At the media library, an exhibition also retraces the highlights of this event, paying tribute to Marie-Hélène Erricart. It features testimonies from those who contributed to the birth of the Mai du théâtre festival, as well as an anthology of posters from the 40 editions.

Regulars will also find the festival's must-see attractions. "The children's village has evolved a bit. I didn't want it to be just a daycare. It's become active and inclusive," explains Christophe Pavia. The spectator workshop will take place on Saturday, May 24, around the show "Les Misérables" by the company Les Batteurs de pavés, with a replay of the emotions the next day (read more).

Finally, Romain Martinez, a comedian from Hendaye, detailed the festival's closing surprise: "16 artists, 20 middle school students and around ten patients from the Marin hospital created 'Gala', a unique show that will be performed in tribute to the festival and will be followed by a 'Gaga' ball.

Free shows with limited capacity. Book online at www.hendaye-culture.fr and at Mendi Zolan.