Les Bravos de la Nuit

Nearly forty years of contemporary theatre in Pilat

Born in 1987 from a meeting between a theatre troupe and enthusiasts from Pélussin during the Gaston Baty festival, Les Bravos de la Nuit has become over the decades an unmissable event for emerging contemporary theatre in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Every late August, the old Virieu district, with its Place du Fossé and picturesque alleys, transforms into a vast open-air stage where young professional companies present their creations.

A festival supporting emerging companies

The originality of Les Bravos de la Nuit lies in its commitment to young contemporary theatre companies. Selected artists benefit from a full week of residency in Pélussin before the festival, allowing them to refine their creations under professional conditions. This support, driven by about a hundred volunteers mobilized throughout the year, makes Les Bravos a recognized springboard for contemporary theatrical creation.

A rich and multidisciplinary program

While theatre is at the heart of the festival, the program is enriched each year with concerts on the Place du Fossé, storytelling performances, entertainment for young audiences during the day (puppets, storytelling, participatory shows), and a closing Grand Ball. Evening shows are held at 8 PM and 10 PM in various locations in the Virieu district, offering an immersive open-air theatrical experience.

Les Bravos des Ados: Cultural action for youth

Since 2006, the association has been developing an ambitious cultural program for middle school students in Pélussin with Les Bravos des Ados. This initiative offers free theatre practice workshops throughout the year, led by professional artists, culminating in public performances during the festival. Les Bravos des Ados allows teenagers to discover theatre through practice and to perform on stage alongside invited companies.

Strong territorial roots

Les Bravos de la Nuit is part of a strong territorial dynamic, in partnership with the Pilat Regional Natural Park, the CinéPilat association, and local cultural actors. The festival also operates throughout the year in schools and social structures in the region, making theatre a tool for social connection and artistic education in the heart of Pilat.