Les Contrées Ordinaires

Les Contrées Ordinaires: Storytelling in All Its Forms

Created in 2013 by storyteller Olivier Hédin and his Compagnie Oh!, the Les Contrées Ordinaires festival is a biennial celebration of the spoken word and oral tradition. Every two years, the small village of La Chapelle-au-Riboul, perched atop the Mayenne department with its 500 inhabitants, transforms into the capital of storytelling for a weekend in October.

Unusual Venues for Extraordinary Stories

One of the festival's unique features is its choice of performance venues. Performances take place in unusual village locations: a disused former cinema, a former girls' school, village halls, and other atypical spaces that offer an intimacy and atmosphere conducive to listening and imagination. This wandering through the village is an integral part of the festival experience.

A Rich and Varied Program

The festival offers an eclectic program combining traditional and contemporary storytelling performances, musical performances, a cappella singing, theater, comedy shows, and immersive sound experiences. The Storytelling Night, a highlight of each edition, invites the public to an evening of tales until the heart of the night. Guided tours of the village by young performers and practical workshops complete the artistic offerings.

A Strong Commitment to Accessibility

Compagnie Oh! places accessibility at the heart of its project. Since the 6th edition, each performance has been translated into French Sign Language (LSF), making the festival an event particularly open to deaf and hard-of-hearing people. This inclusive approach is praised by the public and industry professionals.

A Local Project

Rooted in the life of La Chapelle-au-Riboul, the festival actively involves the village residents, some of whom contribute to the company's activities throughout the year. Les Contrées Ordinaires thus participates in the cultural vitality of a rural area, proving that culture can shine everywhere, even in the most "ordinary" regions.