Surely, you have heard about Maillon Wacken. Maillon Wacken is more than just a theater. It is a European stage right here in Strasbourg.
Originally, Maillon Wacken was the cultural center Le Maillon. That was back in 1978. For years, the original space wasn’t cutting it anymore. Shows had to move to the old Wacken exhibition hall.
But in 2019, everything changed. The new Maillon Wacken building was unveiled. It boasts two impressive performance halls. One seats 580 to 700 people. The other holds 250. Maillon Wacken is all about being European. The Ministry of Culture recognized this. They gave Maillon Wacken the title of “European Center of Creation” a year later.
Throughout the year, Maillon Wacken offers a diverse program. You can see plays, dance performances and even circus acts. Concerts also grace its stages.
LAN Architecture designed the new building. They envisioned it as a “black box.” This design suits contemporary European creation. Architect Umberto Napolitano said they wanted a space for artistic experimentation. It is a place at the intersection of theater and its creation.
The building plays with contrasts. Shadow and light dance together. Solid and void spaces interplay. Openness and closure create intrigue. Dark facades meet large windows. These windows flood the space with natural light.
At the heart of Maillon Wacken is a welcoming space. The lobby features black concrete and wood. Suspended plants add a touch of nature. Comfortable sofas invite you to relax. The Maillon Wacken bar is a great place to meet. You can gather before or after shows and chat with artists.
Let’s take a quick trip back in time. The Maillon began as a cultural center in Hautepierre in 1978. It quickly became a theater. It showcased Parisian tours and regional creations. In the 1990s, the Maillon focused on supporting emerging talent. They worked with young companies and hosted the Turbulences festival. This helped launch the careers of future French theater stars. Names like Didier-Georges Gabily and Olivier Py emerged. The Maillon earned a strong national reputation.
In 1996, the Maillon shifted its focus. It championed original forms and companies. These came from both foreign and French origins. It quickly became a key international stage.
The old Hautepierre building became outdated. It couldn’t properly host artists and audiences. In 1999, the Maillon moved temporarily to the Wacken site. It occupied a former exhibition hall. This hall was in the heart of the European quarter. The Maillon team stayed there for 20 years. In November 2019, they finally moved into their new theater. It was just a stone’s throw away.
The Maillon’s identity is firmly rooted in European culture. That is why the Ministry of Culture gave it the “European Center of Creation” title.
The Maillon boasts flexible performance spaces. The large hall can hold 700 seated or twice that standing. The smaller hall is almost square. It accommodates 250 people. Both halls can be arranged in various ways. The seats can even retract. This creates a truly open space.
The Maillon’s architecture encourages interaction. The architects imagined scenarios for audience and actor connection. Modules of steps can be combined between the two halls. This multiplies the possibilities. These elements can be placed anywhere. The hall and open-air patio become potential stages.
LAN Architecture reimagined the space. They relocated and quadrupled the size of the lobby. It now has a 15-meter-high ceiling. The halls have state-of-the-art equipment. The lobby also benefits from supports for elements on the floor and ceiling. Rails on the walls complete the hanging systems.
Pivoting and sliding panels manage the connection between spaces. These panels act as optical diaphragms. They also serve as acoustic timers. Behind them lies the vast patio. It creates distance. It also connects the city and the theater.
This 800-square-meter void is open to the imagination. It may inspire new forms of performance. It might invent activities linked to the theater program. Opportunities to offer users such freedom of action are rare.
So, as you explore Strasbourg, remember Maillon Wacken. It stands as a beacon. It champions creativity and European culture.