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A cornerstone of Biarritz’s cultural scene since 1979,teh théâtre du Versant is undergoing a dynamic evolution,with a renewed focus on dance and a commitment to artistic innovation despite recent financial setbacks.
The theater, renowned for its performing arts creation, training, and international dialog, has appointed ël Rabas as its new director. Rabas is spearheading the theater’s first independently curated season this fall, solidifying dance as a central pillar of its programming.
A Hub for Performing Arts and International Dialogue
At the heart of the Théâtre du Versant’s identity is its biennial international French-speaking conference, set to hold its 14th edition in February 2026. While the event will be scaled back due to the current international climate, it will continue to serve as a vital forum for artists, cultural figures, and researchers to explore contemporary themes.
The theater remains a vibrant centre for learning, with 410 students from across the Basque Country participating in its classes and workshops. Despite a challenging economic landscape,the Versant maintains a robust performance schedule,staging nearly 300 shows annually.
the sudden termination of the Culture pass-a program that subsidized cultural experiences for middle and high school students-presented a significant obstacle earlier this year. “A hard blow which comes at a time when we were finally freeing ourselves from the effects of confinement and Covid,” a company release stated. The loss of funding necessitated the cancellation and postponement of scheduled performances, but also spurred the development of innovative projects like the Gueuloirs.
“Gueuloirs” and the Spirit of Open Expression
Inspired by the practice of Flaubert reciting his work to refine his writing, the Enslamez-vous collective collaborated with the Théâtre du Versant to launch the “Gueuloirs.” These quarterly open-stage events provide a platform for performers to share songs, poetry, sketches, and more, all guided by a charismatic burlesque host.”It’s a bit like the principle of open stage evenings: we come to sing,declaim a poem,perform a sketch… Everything is presented by a burlesque diva who fills each passage with laughter,” explained Rabas.
Dance Takes Center Stage
Rabas’s vision is marked by a seamless integration of dance into the theater’s traditionally theatrical foundation. “Dance is integrated into the place and particularly in the classes, workshops and courses which always work very well,” she noted. The upcoming season features contemporary dance with Déborah alvarez and musical comedy with singer and vocal coach Elfy Ka. Reflecting the composition of her immediate team, Rabas emphasized a focus on feminine voices and perspectives in the season’s programming.
“even Birds Can’t Always Hover”: A February Premiere
On February 24, Rabas will take to the stage alongside her sister Nina and Alvarez for the premiere of “Theater-dance” titled “Even birds can’t always hover.” The production draws upon the work of Liliane atlan (1932-2011), a post-war Jewish playwright whose writings explore themes of life and memory.
Rabas’s deep personal connection to Atlan-a close friend of her father and grandmother-fueled her dedication to bringing the playwright’s work to a wider audience. “I heard his stories about the war, the absurdity that resulted from it,” Rabas shared. “I was lucky enough to recover all of his original works, and also his drafts.” After extensive collaboration with Atlan’s son, Michael Atlan, in Jerusalem, Rabas successfully adapted the text for the stage, ensuring a poignant and authentic portrayal of Atlan’s life and legacy.
