Kirill Serebrennikov's Le Moine Noir at the Festival d'Avignon in the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d'Avignon

The Avignon Festival

The Festival d’Avignon was created in 1947 by Jean Vilar. The aim of this committed artist was to bring high quality programming to the widest possible audience, and in particular to young people, by presenting both classic authors and foreign playwrights who were often little-known in France, and by offering a type of theater that was different from that practiced in Paris at the time. He associated a troupe of actors with his creations: Gérard Philipe, Michel Bouquet, Maria Casarès, Philippe Noiret, Jeanne Moreau… Little by little, he opened the Festival to dance, music and cinema. Jean Vilar was director of the Festival d’Avignon until his death on May 28, 1971.

Avignon, the beating heart of theatrical creation

Like a beauty preparing to receive her beau, Avignon in July is decked out to welcome actors, musicians, acrobats, circus performers, dancers… and spectators! Since 1947 and Jean Vilar’s first theater week, Avignon has become a symbol of artistic creation. Taking over the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes, the cloisters and high-school courtyards, the Festival d’Avignon is a beating heart for lovers of the performing arts and theatrical discoveries. For three weeks, the often-demanding shows, discussions and debates are the talk of Avignonnais and festival-goers alike.