Imagi*Nieul
Where puppetry meets the performing arts
About Imagi*Nieul
Imagi*Nieul: The Puppet Festival in Nieul
Imagi*Nieul is a festival dedicated to the art of puppetry and object theatre, organized by the AURORA association (Théâtre d'Illusia) in Nieul, Haute-Vienne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). The event takes place in the beautiful setting of the Château de Nieul and its park, offering shows, workshops, and gatherings for everyone aged 4 and up.
A celebration of puppetry arts
The program features a diverse range of styles, including string, glove, and table puppets, as well as paper theatre, shadow puppetry, object theatre, and live music, showcasing companies from both the local region and beyond. The festival blends new creations with family-friendly performances and community moments, such as street parades and shared meals.
In 2026, Imagi*Nieul celebrates its 18th edition under the theme "Poetic Resistance" on July 16th and 17th.
Imagi*Nieul — edition 2026
The 18th edition of Imagi*Nieul arrives with the theme "Poetic Resistance." The main event takes place on July 16th and 17th, 2026, in Nieul: on July 16th, during the producers' market, catch a work-in-progress paper and pop-up theater piece by Théâtre d'Illusia, followed by a concert from Juliette Minvielle. July 17th features a full day of puppet and object theater shows, plus a mask-acting workshop.
Also, don't miss the exhibition "Repairing the Invisible" by Justin Palermo at the ELAN intercommunal media library in Nantiat (87140), running until August 4th, 2026 (free admission).
Programme Imagi*Nieul 2026
July 16th
- 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM — "Chêne!" by Théâtre d'Illusia (87), based on the 2nd song of the Kalevala, for ages 4 and up. Held in the castle's grand hall. Free.
- 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM — "Solo pour Gugusse," a concert by Juliette Minvielle. Castle esplanade. Pay-what-you-wish.
July 17th
- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM — "Jouer avec le masque" (Acting with masks) by Cie Les Locataires (87). Village hall. Pay-what-you-wish.
- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM — "Pyrène" by Lucy Paper Jane (17), shadow theater for 4 spectators at a time. Pay-what-you-wish.
- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM — "Naphtaline" by Mue Marionnettes (86), string puppets. Pay-what-you-wish.
- 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM — "La Surfeuse et la Libellule" by Cie Manœuvre (40), tabletop puppetry. Pay-what-you-wish.
- 6:00 PM — "Disparitions ou le tiroir magique d'Erik Satie" by Théâtre d'Illusia (87), glove puppets. Pay-what-you-wish.
- 7:00 PM — "Blanc Flocon" by Roger Cie (33), object theater. Pay-what-you-wish.
- 8:00 PM — Shared meal.
Highlights Imagi*Nieul 2026
- 18th edition — Theme: "Poetic Resistance"
- Puppetry and object theater arts
- Suitable for all ages from 4 and up
- Nieul Castle and park (Haute-Vienne)
Prices Imagi*Nieul 2026
Practical information — Imagi*Nieul
The Château de Nieul park is pedestrian-only. Please use the designated parking areas located around the park.
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Where does it take place — Imagi*Nieul
Château et parc de Nieul
14 Rue Edouard Mouratille, 87510 Nieul