MC93 — Cultural Season

MC93: A National Theater at the Heart of Seine-Saint-Denis

Inaugurated in February 1980 in Bobigny, the MC93 — Maison de la Culture de Seine-Saint-Denis is one of the most important and influential national theaters in the Parisian region. Designed by architects Valentin Fabre and Jean Perrottet at the initiative of the communist elected officials of the General Council of Seine-Saint-Denis, it is part of the great movement of cultural decentralization desired by André Malraux, who dreamed of equipping each French department with a Maison de la Culture.

Since its creation, MC93 has affirmed a profoundly international vocation: it was one of the first French venues to present performances in their original language and to establish co-production partnerships with theaters around the world. This openness to the world is constitutive of its identity, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Seine-Saint-Denis territory.

A Place for Creation and Production

MC93 is not just a venue for diffusion; it is above all a place for creation and production. The structure supports artists in residence, co-produces performances with national and international partners, and develops in-depth work with artists from the region. This production mission has earned it the label of European Center for Productions since June 2020, awarded by the Ministry of Culture in recognition of its driving role in the international theater landscape.

MC93's programming covers the entire spectrum of contemporary performing arts: contemporary theater, dance, contemporary circus, performances, and opera are presented in its two main halls — the Grande Salle (800 seats) and the Petite Salle (200 seats). Transdisciplinary projects, combining visual arts, music, and theater, are regularly offered.

Hortense Archambault at the Head of MC93

Under the direction of Hortense Archambault, who took over the reins of MC93 after co-founding the Festival d'Avignon, the institution has strengthened its position as an avant-garde stage and a space for reflection on contemporary issues. The artistic direction favors proposals that question disciplinary boundaries and address the major social, political, and environmental issues of today's world.

A Strong Commitment to the Territory

MC93 is deeply rooted in the Seine-Saint-Denis territory. It develops cultural and educational activities for the inhabitants of the department, particularly in partnership with schools, middle schools, and high schools in the 93. Artistic practice workshops, rehearsal visits, meetings with artists, and accessible prices allow everyone to access performances and contemporary creation.

MC93 also participates in major regional festivals — it is one of the partner venues of Africolor and collaborates with numerous cultural institutions in Seine-Saint-Denis — contributing to the cultural dynamism of a department often presented as a cultural desert, when in reality it is one of the richest and most innovative territories in France in terms of performing arts.

Plan D: Dance Off-Site

In partnership with the Centre national de la danse (CND), located in Pantin, MC93 hosts plan D each autumn, an off-site dance program that showcases creations by contemporary choreographers in unusual spaces throughout the region. This program illustrates MC93's commitment to bringing dance out of theaters and into everyday spaces.