La Criée

From the bustling quays of Marseille’s Vieux Port, a dramatic tale unfolds. This story is about La Criée, a theatre unlike any other. La Criée stands as a beacon of artistic expression. It pulses with life, a testament to its vibrant past and exciting present. La Criée wasn’t always a theatre. For decades, this very spot echoed with the cries of fishmongers. The building, constructed in 1909, served as a bustling fish market. Imagine the scene: crates overflowing with the day’s catch, the air thick with the scent of the sea, and vendors hawking their wares. “Poisson frais!,” they’d shout, their voices competing in a lively chorus. This lively trade is where La Criée gets its name, “la criée” meaning “the auction” or “the shout” in French. The fish market eventually moved to the port of Saumaty near l’Estaque. The old fish market fell silent. Then, in a twist of fate, the vacant building hosted a one-night performance. This singular event sparked a transformation. After five years of renovation, La Criée, the former fish market, was reborn as a theatre in 1981. Today, La Criée’s facade, a classified historical monument, still bears the inscription “Criée libre aux poissons” – a reminder of its rich history. Inside, the theatre boasts a large 800-seat auditorium and a smaller, more adaptable 280-seat space. La Criée has welcomed over 700 productions since its opening. The innovative stage design places actors and audience on the same level, blurring the lines between performance and observation. La Criée stands as a testament to Marseille’s dynamic cultural spirit. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine, where the echoes of fishmongers have given way to the voices of actors, and where the scent of the sea now mingles with the thrill of live performance. So, next time you visit Marseille’s Vieux Port, take a moment to appreciate La Criée. It is more than just a theatre. It’s a living story, a vibrant symbol of Marseille’s resilience and artistic heart.