Lesneven s'Emmêle Festival

Lesneven s'Emmêle: The Art of Puppetry in the Spotlight

Every spring, the town of Lesneven hosts a unique festival dedicated to the art of puppetry and object theatre. Lesneven s'Emmêle, whose playful name evokes both puppet strings and the intertwining of imaginations, was born in 2024 with the ambition to introduce audiences in northern Finistère to the richness and diversity of this vibrant living art.

Regional and National Companies

Each year, the festival invites four regional companies and guest artists to perform on the stage of L'Atelier, a cultural venue located on rue Jeanne d'Arc in Lesneven. The program mixes glove puppetry, object theatre, short forms, and more developed shows, offering a varied panorama of contemporary puppet writing. The second edition (2025) notably featured shows like "Mytho Perso", a short object theatre film exploring Greek mythology and family secrets, and "Le Manipophone", a musical tour featuring French and American chanson stars from the 40s and 50s.

A Festival for All Ages

Lesneven s'Emmêle is aimed at all audiences, from toddlers to adults. The third edition (2026), scheduled from March 20 to April 11, will notably feature "Tout un cirque" by Compagnie Fario, a show for very young children aged 1 and up, "Sueño" by Compagnie Singe Diesel, a dreamlike puppet show, "Alors ça mord !" by Compagnie Niclounivis, and "Chemin des métaphores". This focus on the youngest spectators makes the festival a precious family event on the Côte des Légendes.

L'Atelier, Lesneven's Cultural Gem

The shows primarily take place at L'Atelier, Lesneven's cultural space located at 7 rue Jeanne d'Arc. This intimate venue allows for a rare closeness between puppeteers and their audience, essential in an art form where the finesse of manipulation and subtlety of expression are as important as the text. The festival is supported by the municipality of Lesneven and the town's cultural department, who champion this initiative with the goal of making Lesneven a reference point for puppet arts in Brittany.

A Growing Cultural Event

In three editions, Lesneven s'Emmêle has found its audience and established its identity on the Côte des Légendes. The festival is part of a rich local cultural dynamic, alongside events like the Festival Légend'air, and contributes to Lesneven's attractiveness as a cultural destination in northern Finistère. The program expands year by year, with an extended festival duration and the inclusion of increasingly diverse companies.