La Mousson d'été

A laboratory for contemporary theatrical writing

Founded in 1995 by the association La Mousson d'été (MEEC — Maison des Écritures et des Écritures Contemporaines), La Mousson d'été has established itself as one of the unmissable events in contemporary European theatre. For six days each summer, this festival-laboratory offers the public a unique opportunity to discover unpublished or recently translated dramatic texts in French, presented as staged readings — a draft of a staging where professional actors hold the texts in hand — and directed readings by renowned artists. It is a rare space for direct encounter between authors, performers, and spectators.

The Abbaye des Prémontrés, an exceptional heritage setting

The festival unfolds in the majestic setting of the Abbaye des Prémontrés in Pont-à-Mousson, an architectural gem built from 1705 onwards under the reign of Duke Leopold I of Lorraine by architect Thomas Mordillac. The Premonstratensian order, founded by Saint Norbert in 1121, has profoundly marked the religious and spiritual history of Lorraine. Today a renowned cultural center, the abbey offers an intimate and inspiring setting where words resonate with particular intensity. Performances and readings also take place in other venues in the town, such as the Espace Montrichard, the Pablo Picasso Cultural Center in Blénod-lès-Pont-à-Mousson, and the Espace Saint-Laurent.

A resolutely international and committed program

Each year, the La Mousson reading committee selects a dozen contemporary texts, both French and foreign, which form the heart of the program. European writing sits alongside voices from Latin America, Australia, Quebec, Africa, and Asia, making the festival a global crossroads for playwriting. The texts address the issues of our time — societal questions, human relationships, ecological crises, memories — with a formal freedom and boldness that characterize the spirit of La Mousson.

European Summer University and training

In parallel with the festival, La Mousson d'été hosts a European Summer University offering training workshops in playwriting and directing. Masterclasses, meetings with authors, and conferences enrich the experience for the public and professionals, making La Mousson a vibrant place for transmission and reflection on contemporary theatre. The association also organizes La Mousson d'hiver, dedicated to theatrical writing for young audiences.