Regards croisés Festival
International encounters of contemporary theatrical writing at Théâtre 145 in Grenoble
About Regards croisés
Since 2001, the Regards croisés festival has been the unmissable event for contemporary dramaturgy in Grenoble. Organized every spring by the artistic collective Troisième bureau at Théâtre 145, it brings together about twenty theater authors, translators, and poets from all over Europe, the French-speaking world, and beyond for staged readings of new texts, encounters, round tables, workshops, and a bookstore. All events are free and open to everyone.
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Regards croisés: The Festival of Living Theatrical Writing
The Regards croisés festival is the annual meeting place for contemporary theatrical writing and its authors, organized by the artistic collective Troisième bureau at Théâtre 145 in Grenoble. Since its creation in 2001, this artistic, intellectual, and convivial event extends the research, workshops, and public readings carried out by the collective throughout the year on today's dramaturgy.
A Unique Meeting Place Between Authors and Audiences
Each edition of the festival brings together about twenty theater authors, translators, and poets from different countries in Europe, the French-speaking world, and beyond. They come to Grenoble for the presentation of their texts, encounters, and workshops. The principle is simple and powerful: each evening, a staged reading of a new play is followed by a meeting with the author, creating a direct dialogue between dramatic writing and the audience.
A Rich and Multidisciplinary Program
The Regards croisés festival is a general event combining staged readings, creations, encounters, round tables, workshops, and a bookstore. About twenty professional actors, accompanied by students from conservatories and high schools, give voice to the original and political texts presented during the festival. The readings are staged by directors, offering a true theatrical experience to the spectators.
The Naomi Wallace Prize: A Commitment to Youth
The festival created the Naomi Wallace Prize, a dramatic literature award decided by the vote of 200 high school students from the Grenoble academy. As part of high school reading groups, six second-year classes discover plays selected from those proposed by theater publishing houses. The prize is awarded during the festival in the presence of the American author Naomi Wallace, a committed playwright whose name was given to this distinction. This initiative demonstrates the festival's commitment to transmission and cultural mediation for young audiences.
A Collective Serving Contemporary Theater
Troisième bureau, founded in Grenoble in 2000, is an artistic collective bringing together professionals from theater, books, and education within a reading committee. It works for a "critical" dissemination of contemporary theatrical writing and constitutes a true resource center for today's dramaturgy. The collective received the Prix d'or du Petit Bulletin in 2019, recognizing its essential role in maintaining the vitality of live theater and preventing stages from relying solely on classical authors.
A Free Festival Open to All
One of the major unique features of Regards croisés is the complete freeness of all its events. Readings, encounters, round tables, workshops: everything is freely accessible, subject to availability. This pricing policy allows all audiences—spectators, theater professionals, teachers, students, high school students—to fully participate in this celebration of contemporary dramatic writing.
Regards croisés — edition 2026
The 26th edition of the Regards croisés festival will take place from May 26 to 31, 2026, at Théâtre 145 in Grenoble. This festival of contemporary dramaturgy will feature staged readings of new plays, citizen debates, and enriching exchanges with invited authors, all with free access.
Regards croisés 2026 – 26th Festival of Contemporary Dramaturgy
The 26th edition of the Regards croisés festival will take over the Théâtre 145 in Grenoble from May 26 to 31, 2026. True to its mission since 2001, the festival will continue to give voice to contemporary dramatic writing by bringing together about twenty theater authors, translators, and poets from various countries in Europe, the French-speaking world, and beyond.
Staged Readings of New Plays
As every year, the core of the festival will consist of staged readings of new plays, performed by professional actors and directed by stage directors. Each reading will be followed by an encounter with the author, allowing the audience to engage directly with the creators.
Citizen Debates and Encounters
Beyond the readings, this 26th edition will feature citizen debates, round tables, and enriching discussions on the issues addressed by today's theatrical writing. These moments of collective reflection will explore how contemporary dramaturgy reflects our society and transforms theatrical practice.
The Naomi Wallace Prize
The festival will once again host the Naomi Wallace Prize ceremony, a dramatic literature award decided by the vote of high school students from the Grenoble academy, demonstrating the festival's ongoing commitment to the transmission and discovery of contemporary writing for young audiences.
An Entirely Free Festival
All events—readings, encounters, round tables, workshops, bookstore—will be free and open to all, subject to availability. The full program and the list of invited authors will be announced in April 2026 on the Troisième bureau website.
Highlights Regards croisés 2026
- 26th edition of the festival of contemporary dramaturgy
- Staged readings of new plays followed by encounters with authors
- Citizen debates and round tables on the issues of theatrical writing
- Naomi Wallace Prize awarded by high school students from the Grenoble academy
- International program with authors from all over Europe and beyond
- Completely free festival open to all
Prices Regards croisés 2026
Practical information — Regards croisés
Access to Théâtre 145
Address
The festival takes place at Théâtre 145 (TMG – Théâtre Municipal de Grenoble), located at 145, cours Berriat, 38000 Grenoble. Théâtre 145 is housed in a former linen and table linen factory built at the end of the 19th century. It has a hall with 216 seats in tiered seating, with the first four rows on the ground floor.
By Tram
Théâtre 145 is served by tram line A, stop Berriat-Le Magasin or Saint-Bruno. Cours Berriat is one of the main arteries of the Berriat-Saint-Bruno district, easily accessible from Grenoble city center.
By Bus
Several bus lines of the TAG (Transports de l'Agglomération Grenobloise) network serve the Berriat district. Consult the website tag.fr to plan your route.
By Car
From the A480 motorway, take the Grenoble-Centre exit and follow the direction of cours Berriat. Parking is available in the surrounding streets (regulated parking in the green zone). The Europole parking lot is nearby.
By Train
Grenoble station is about a 15-minute walk from Théâtre 145. Grenoble is served by TGV and TER trains from Lyon Part-Dieu (1h20), Paris Gare de Lyon (3h), Chambéry (1h), and Valence (1h15).
By Bike
Grenoble is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France. Métrovélo (self-service bikes) stations are located near Théâtre 145. Bike racks are available in front of the theater.
Prices
All festival events are free: staged readings, encounters with authors, round tables, workshops. Access is subject to availability. It is recommended to arrive early to ensure a seat, especially for evening readings which attract a large audience.
Accessibility
Théâtre 145 is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For any specific requests, contact Troisième bureau before the festival.
Festival Bookstore
A pop-up bookstore is set up in the theater lobby throughout the festival, offering the works of invited authors and a wide selection of contemporary theater texts.
Contact
Troisième bureau – Artistic Collective
Le Petit Angle, 1 rue Président Carnot
38000 Grenoble
Phone: 04 76 00 12 30
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Accommodation
Grenoble has a varied hotel offering near Théâtre 145. The Grenoble-Alpes Métropole Tourist Office (tel: 04 76 42 41 41) can provide information on available accommodation.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Regards croisés at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Regards croisés
Théâtre 145 (TMG)
145, cours Berriat, 38000 Grenoble