Théâtre de Gennevilliers

Did the Théâtre de Gennevilliers always hum with the energy of contemporary creation? Not quite. This building, now a beacon of modern performance, has a fascinating past. The Théâtre de Gennevilliers, often called T2G, stands as a testament to the evolving cultural landscape of this Parisian suburb. Originally, this site housed a bustling marketplace and a grand hall built in the 1930s. Imagine a vast, futuristic market hall made of reinforced cement, inspired by zeppelin hangars. Above its entrance, perched the 1500-seat Salle des Grésillons, a space echoing with the sounds of everything from boxing matches to operas like Tosca and Carmen. The hall even hosted the legendary Théâtre National Populaire, led by Jean Vilar. Stars like Maria Casarès, Gérard Philipe, and Jeanne Moreau graced this very spot, bringing theatrical magic to Gennevilliers. In 1963, Bernard Sobel arrived. He planted the seeds of what would become the Théâtre de Gennevilliers. His theater troupe, initially amateur, took root here. They performed their first professional show, Brecht’s “Man is Man,” in the Salle des Grésillons in 1970. This marked the birth of the Ensemble Théâtral de Gennevilliers. The company evolved, gaining recognition and subsidies. It became a driving force in French and European theater, known for its rigorous exploration of dramatic art. The transformation continued. In 1981, the Théâtre de Gennevilliers officially became a Centre Dramatique National. Renovations brought new life to the space, including a system of walkways and metal mesh on the walls. The arrival of the metro further connected the theater to the wider city, expanding its reach. The theater blossomed under Sobel’s leadership, hosting renowned artists and pushing the boundaries of contemporary performance. Pascal Rambert took the helm in 2007, further solidifying the Théâtre de Gennevilliers’ reputation as a hub for contemporary creation. He introduced the acronym T2G, representing a new generation of theater. Rambert championed a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating dance, music, visual art, cinema, and philosophy into the theater’s offerings. Now led by Daniel Jeanneteau, the Théâtre de Gennevilliers continues this legacy of innovation. The theater has become an ecosystem of creativity, deeply rooted in its community yet connected to the global pulse of contemporary art.