Like the return of concerts and plays, Agen is preparing to experience a period marked by a great cultural renewal. The events multiply and announce good days to come.
It must be recognized that once the constraints have been relaxed, culture immediately reappears. To believe that the pressure was strong, and that once the shell of severity pierced, a flood of initiatives rushed into this space – life – remained empty for too long. Culture is essential, and this long period of famine ended with this obvious observation. She has been sorely missed, and her return allows us to better appreciate her value. And that of artists, producers, entertainment workers, venues, associations, etc. without which nothing would be possible.
We must appreciate this return, and estimate the luck of Agen. This week, in our so-called “average” city, there are so many temptations: four concerts by Francis Cabrel, three performances by Eugène Ionesco (“The King is dying”), two concerts by the singer Pomme à Ducourneau, comic shows at the café -théâtre de la place Jasmin, the opening of an art gallery on the boulevard, without forgetting the cinemas, or our Museum of Fine Arts – and this eagerly awaited exhibition on Louis Ducos du Hauron.
The closure of all these sites was cruel. Their reopening was beneficial: it proves that without culture, life is a tear.
It is there, the strength of culture. The one which, after months of destitution and uncertainties, once again attracts the Agen population in search of escape, fulfillment and passion towards the paths of freedom.
Spearheading this great comeback, Francis Cabrel and his national tour starting in Agen with no less than four concerts scheduled. Who better than him could thus sound the rebirth of festive and fiery evenings where the stage curtain has withdrawn in favor of a liberated culture?
Thursday evening, the singer Pomme also followed suit between the walls of the Ducourneau theater by delivering two performances of the most appreciable (read below). As for lovers of flagship works, the Theater of the Day unveiled on Wednesday the play “The King Dies” by Romanian playwright Eugene Ionesco, with a brilliant staging by Tifenn Pourcel (Also read below.) An eclecticism which gives color to Agen after these lean months.
A new designer market
With the wind in its sails, the cultural offer will be enriched as of June 19. Spurred on by the cultural events department of the city of Agen and with the support of the Agglomeration, “Les Instants de la Création” will take place at Place du Maréchal-Foch every other Saturday until September 18. An artists’ market bringing together around twenty creators accompanied by artistic performances, practical workshops and various activities aimed at revitalizing the city center and supporting the cultural fabric of the territory: “Reconciling art and the city center is a beautiful marriage, but above all a moment of meeting between the artists and a moment of conviviality for the Agenais “, welcomes Marie-Claude Iachemet, deputy mayor in charge of culture.
In total, it took nearly a year of work to put together these 8 dates, “an ode to talents from all artistic universes. The cathedral square will be an open-air exhibition space, with markets which will respond to plural themes such as heritage, small galleries but also Japan or even Garonne en fête “, adds the first assistant Clémence Brandolin-Robert who presented the content of these festive Saturdays on Friday morning.
She continues: “It is also a way of providing our support to artists who have suffered from successive confinements. These markets will only bring together professionals to offer quality entertainment to the population.” The Destination Agen tourist office will also be added to the program, as will the local associations.
The rise of culture outside the walls
On Saturday August 21, the designer market will be held exclusively on the Esplanade du Gravier. An essential relocation to properly celebrate the river and “Garonne en fête” through the performances of the association La Streetarterie, activities around artistic creations but also a participatory workshop organized by the Study and Discovery Center of landscape (CEDP47) throughout the day.
Responding to a campaign commitment, the municipality intends to make a contribution to the building in the cultural and associative world. A universe hard hit by the crisis but far from being resigned. With multiple events and an agenda that continues to grow over the weeks, the culture of Agen wishes, more than ever, to regain its letters of nobility to the delight of a territory that badly needed it.
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