Les Planches Fêlées Festival

Les Planches Fêlées: A Theatrical Utopia in the Loiret Countryside

Since 2016, the Les Planches Fêlées festival has established itself as a unique artistic event in the cultural landscape of the Loiret and the Centre-Val de Loire region. Organized by the Jeune Compagnie du Théâtre de l'Escabeau, this human-sized festival takes place every year in May in the courtyard of the ferme de Rivotte, in Briare, a former model farm transformed into a theatrical incubator over forty years ago.

Three Days in the Temporary Utopia Zone

The festival invites the public to join the ZUT — Zone d'Utopies Temporaires — for three days of shows, encounters, and sharing. The intentionally eclectic program mixes theater, street theater, circus, dance, clown, cabaret, concerts, film screenings, and exhibitions. The festival particularly highlights young companies and emerging artists, true to its mission as an artistic incubator.

A Place Steeped in History

The Théâtre de l'Escabeau is much more than just a performance venue. Located in a farm in the middle of the fields, bordered by woods and close to the Loire River, this place of creation and cooperation houses three entities: the professional Escabeau Company, the Amateur Escabeau Company, and the Young Escabeau Company. It is the latter that organizes the festival, reflecting its diversity of practices and its infectious enthusiasm.

A Festive and Solidarity Spirit

Les Planches Fêlées cultivates a resolutely friendly and participatory spirit. Beyond the shows, the festival offers free-price camping with dry toilets and solar showers, a flea market, a free-price bookstore, a bar, homemade meals, and pétanque and mölkky courts. The Apéro Cabaret, a highlight of each edition, brings together artists and festival-goers for a drink in a warm atmosphere.

Accessible Prices for All

True to its values of sharing and accessibility, the festival offers intentionally low prices: shows are available from 5 to 9 euros, and the Apéro Cabaret is offered at 12 euros with an aperitif and drink included. This three-tier pricing system allows everyone to contribute according to their means, with solidarity, break-even, and support prices.

A Family Outdoor Festival

Open to all audiences, the festival welcomes families in a rural and safe environment. Children can enjoy adapted shows, treasure hunts, and outdoor activities. The "utopian-sympathetic" atmosphere of Les Planches Fêlées makes it a special time to slow down, meet, exchange, and create new conscious traditions together.