Chloé Dabert Named First Female Director of Théâtre National de Bretagne
A groundbreaking appointment signals a new era for French theater. Chloé Dabert has been selected as the first woman to lead the Théâtre National de Bretagne, a pivotal cultural institution.
The appointment, announced this Wednesday, February 11, was made by French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, with the support of regional leaders Nathalie Appéré, Loïg Chesnais-Girard, and Jean-Luc Chenut. Dabert, currently the director of the Comédie de Reims, will assume her new role on January 1, 2027, succeeding Arthur Nauzyciel, who has held the position since 2017.
A Rising Star in Contemporary French Directing
Dabert’s selection represents a significant moment for gender representation in French arts leadership. Trained at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art in Paris, she has quickly established herself as a leading voice in contemporary directing. In 2012, she founded the theater company Héros-limite, based in Brittany, fostering a space for innovative theatrical work.
Her early success came with the 2014 Impatience festival prize for her production of Orphelins, immediately marking her as a talent to watch. More recently, her Reims production of Le Firmament earned the prestigious Grand Prix du Syndicat de la Critique in 2023, further solidifying her reputation.
Continuing a Vision of Open Creation
The Ministry of Culture emphasized that Dabert’s artistic vision for the Théâtre National de Bretagne builds upon the foundation she established at the Comédie de Reims. “The artistic project carried out by Chloé Dabert for the Théâtre National de Bretagne is a continuation of the work undertaken in Reims, with the desire to make the Théâtre National de Bretagne an open and deeply structuring place of creation for contemporary theatrical writing,” a senior official stated.
This commitment to fostering contemporary writing suggests a continued emphasis on innovative and challenging theatrical experiences for audiences. Dabert’s leadership is expected to further elevate the Théâtre National de Bretagne’s role as a vital center for artistic expression and cultural dialogue within France and beyond.
