Bonaguil Theatre Festival

Bonaguil-Fumel Festival: Theatre in a Medieval Setting

For over sixty years, the Bonaguil-Fumel Festival has transformed the moats of the majestic Bonaguil Castle into an open-air theatre every summer. Nestled in the heart of Lot-et-Garonne, this festival has become one of the major cultural events in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, attracting thousands of spectators each year in a unique heritage setting.

A Rich History of Over Six Decades

The festival was created in 1962 on the initiative of Manolo and Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, with the support of actress Odile Versois and enthusiasts from Fumel. For about twenty years, it was mainly dedicated to classical music, notably hosting guitarist Narciso Yepes.

In 1985, theatre made its debut with L'Avare performed by the Baladins en Agenais, directed by Louis Arnaud and André Lautier. This period saw the arrival of major figures in live performance, including a memorable performance of Bacchus with Jean Marais.

In 1997, the arrival of Nicolas Briançon as artistic director marked a decisive turning point: the festival became exclusively theatrical, with a program often consisting of the successes of the Parisian season. Since 2012, Frédéric Bernhard and Aurélie Viel have been the artistic directors, maintaining the spirit of a popular, accessible, and ambitious festival.

An Eclectic and Ambitious Program

Each edition features about ten shows mixing great classics of the repertoire, contemporary creations, comedies, and one-man shows. The evening performances, scheduled at 9:30 PM in the castle moats, offer a unique theatrical experience under the stars, with the fortress silhouette as a backdrop.

Shows for All Audiences

The festival pays special attention to the young audience with shows and workshops dedicated to children. Morning performances complement the evening program, allowing all generations to enjoy the event.

Bonaguil Castle: An Exceptional Natural Theatre

Bonaguil Castle, the last great medieval fortress built in France between the 13th and 16th centuries, offers a spectacular setting for the performances. The castle moats, transformed into seating areas, welcome spectators in a magical atmosphere where the stone architecture amplifies the power of theatrical performance. In case of bad weather, shows are moved to the Fumel Cultural Centre.

A Festival Driven by its Volunteers

The Bonaguil-Fumel Festival is powered by an association of over 70 passionate volunteers who work year-round to bring this event to life. Successive presidents, artists, and local residents mobilize to offer a quality program each summer in a spirit of conviviality and cultural sharing.