Could this unassuming building be one of France’s most important centers for contemporary theater? It is. This is the Théâtre des Amandiers.
Let’s explore its history. The Théâtre des Amandiers started humbly. It began as the Festival de Nanterre in 1965. Pierre Debauche’s theater company put on the festival in a circus tent. The location was called Côte des Amandiers.
In 1966, the festival moved. It found a new home in abandoned military hangars. These hangars were on the grounds of what is now the Paris Nanterre University. The festival’s final year in that form was 1967. It took place in the Palais des Sports in Nanterre.
A permanent home was needed. In 1968, the state and the city agreed to build a cultural center. A temporary Théâtre des Amandiers opened in 1969. It previewed the future Maison de la Culture. Pierre Debauche and Pierre Laville co-directed it.
The Centre dramatique national de Nanterre was created in 1971. This was part of France’s theater decentralization policy. Construction on the Théâtre des Amandiers began a few years later. Pierre Debauche oversaw the building’s construction.
The permanent Théâtre des Amandiers opened in 1976. This is the building we see today. Raoul Sangla became the final director of the Maison de la Culture.
In 1982, things changed again. The Maison de la Culture dissolved. It was replaced by the S.A.R.L. Nanterre-Amandiers. Patrice Chéreau and Catherine Tasca became its directors. Chéreau created a theater school and film studio here.
Jean-Pierre Vincent took over in 1990. The theater was renamed Nanterre-Amandiers. Georges Aperghis and Stanislas Nordey established their groups here.
Jean-Louis Martinelli became director in 2002. He stayed until 2014. Philippe Quesne and Nathalie Vimeux then jointly directed. Since 2016, Philippe Quesne has been the sole director.
Since January 2021, Christophe Rauck has been the director. Before this he directed the Théâtre du Nord in Lille.
The Théâtre des Amandiers has three halls. The grande salle seats 860. The salle transformable holds 495. There is also a planétarium with 120 seats. The main hall is wheelchair accessible. Audio guides are available for some performances.
Navettes run before and after performances. They go to the RER Nanterre-Préfecture and Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile stations.
The Théâtre des Amandiers continues to present innovative works. It stages both classic and contemporary plays. The Théâtre des Amandiers remains a vital part of the French theater scene. It fosters creativity and engages diverse audiences. Its history is a testament to its enduring commitment to the arts. From a simple tent to a modern building, this theater has always pushed boundaries. The Théâtre des Amandiers is a place where theater comes alive.