La Mousson d'été
International theatre encounters at the Abbaye des Prémontrés
About 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 For six days each summer, this festival-laboratory offers the public a unique opportunity to discover unpublished or recently translated dramatic texts in French, presented as staged readings — a draft of a staging where professional actors hold the texts in hand — and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.
La Mousson d'été — edition 2026
The 32nd edition of La Mousson d'été will be held from August 21 to 27, 2026 at the Abbaye des Prémontrés and in the Pont-à-Mousson basin. This theatrical laboratory dedicated to new international dramatic writings offers readings, staged readings, performances, conferences, meetings, and cabarets. In 2026, the program highlights texts from Italy, Russia, Australia, Quebec, France, and the Balkans, exploring through the intimacy of human relationships the great fractures of our time: war, climate change, the emergence of artificial beings.
2026 Edition — 32nd Mousson d'été
The 32nd edition of La Mousson d'été is scheduled from August 21 to 27, 2026 at the Abbaye des Prémontrés in Pont-à-Mousson, a historical partner of the event, as well as in the Pont-à-Mousson basin. The festival continues its mission of discovering and promoting new international dramatic writings: author readings presented by professional actors, staged readings of unpublished or newly translated texts into French, conversations, performances, and multidisciplinary creations combining theatre, music, photography, and sound creation.
2026 Theme
The 2026 program explores, through the intimacy of human relationships, the great fractures of our time: war, climate change, and the emergence of artificial beings. A particular focus is dedicated to young female authors from the Balkans, recognized for their sensitive and humorous writings, offering a perspective on the new generation of Eastern Europe.
Summer University
In parallel with the festival, the Summer University offers 75 French or French-speaking participants the opportunity to dedicate about twenty hours to discovering new theatrical writings. In August, access to the Abbaye des Prémontrés monument is free to offer as many people as possible the opportunity to discover theatre in a different way.
Programme La Mousson d'été 2026
Among the texts considered for the 2026 edition (detailed program to be published on meec.org):
- Australia — And the World Shines, by Angus Cerini
- Quebec — An End, by Sébastien David
- France — The Man in His Garden, by Ludovic Longelin
- Serbia — We Are Afraid, by Jana Milivojević
- Croatia — Where to Go When You Leave, by Nikolina Rafaj
- Italy — Mechanisms, by Fabrizio Sinisi
- Russia — Animal Attack, by Youlia Toupkina
The complete program, with times and locations, is published on the official website meec.org. Readings, staged readings, conferences, and street performances are free to access (reservation recommended for covered spaces due to attendance); indoor performances are subject to a fee.
Highlights La Mousson d'été 2026
- 32nd edition of a laboratory dedicated to new international dramatic writings
- New texts from Italy, Russia, Australia, Quebec, France, and the Balkans
- Focus on young female authors from the Balkans
- Readings, staged readings, conferences, and street performances with free access
- Exceptional setting of the Abbaye des Prémontrés in Pont-à-Mousson
Prices La Mousson d'été 2026
Practical information — La Mousson d'été
Access
The Abbaye des Prémontrés is located at 9 rue Saint-Martin, 54700 Pont-à-Mousson, in Meurthe-et-Moselle (Grand Est region). Pont-à-Mousson is halfway between Metz and Nancy, about 30 km from each city. By car, the town is easily accessible via the A31 motorway (Pont-à-Mousson exit), with parking options in the town center near the abbey. By train, the Pont-à-Mousson SNCF station is served by TER Grand Est from Nancy (about 15 minutes journey) and Metz (about 20 minutes). The abbey is about a 10-minute walk from the station, along the Moselle river through the historic center.
Festival venues
The festival primarily takes place at the Abbaye des Prémontrés, which hosts the majority of readings, staged readings, and conversations. Performances also take place in several other venues in the town and its surroundings: Espace Montrichard (chemin de Montrichard), Pablo Picasso Cultural Center (square Jean-Jaurès, Blénod-lès-Pont-à-Mousson), and Espace Saint-Laurent (rue Philippe de Gueldre). This diversity of venues allows the festival to shine throughout the Pont-à-Mousson urban area.
Prices and booking
Admission is completely free for readings, staged readings, and street performances. Indoor performances are ticketed: €15 full price, €10 reduced price (under 20, students, social welfare recipients). Bookings open from August 15th by phone at 09 53 33 54 88 or by email at [email protected]. It is advisable to book in advance for performances, as seats are limited.
Catering
Every evening during the festival, the friendly space "Au parquet de bal" welcomes the public from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM in a warm and festive atmosphere. Catering is provided by the restaurant "Au grand sérieux" which offers a varied menu: daily specials, sandwiches, composed salads, and desserts. It is the preferred meeting place for festival-goers to continue discussions after the shows.
Contact and information
Phone: +33 (0)9 53 33 54 88. Booking email: [email protected]. Administration email: [email protected]. Festival email: [email protected]. Website: www.meec.org. Also find La Mousson d'été on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) to follow the festival's news throughout the year.
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Where does it take place — La Mousson d'été
Abbaye des Prémontrés
Abbaye des Prémontrés, 9 rue Saint-Martin, 54700 Pont-à-Mousson