PROJECT DESCRIPTION

We are looking for partners and a leader to establish an international cooperation project within the Creation and International Circulation axis, focused on an initiating academy that aims to showcase the Puppetry Arts, their diversity, and their richness across Europe. This academy would be developed around three main pillars: training, which includes courses, workshops, and learning techniques from international masters while bringing together disciplines and techniques from different regions; international professional networks, fostering cross-cultural exchanges, circulation of artists, and knowledge sharing; and promoting heritage through the conservation of puppet collections, the promotion of both tangible and intangible heritage, and research into historical techniques and materials related to puppetry and their re-use.

ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION

Le Théâtre de la Massue company, founded in 1983 and based in Nice, France, is directed by Ézéquiel Garcia-Romeu and is one of the first contemporary puppet companies to have its work presented on national stages and at national drama centres in France. In 1999, it participated in the Festival In d'Avignon, which marked the beginning of its international career. Today, the company actively explores new forms, including contemporary puppet projects, digital projects, set design, and other installations. Ézéquiel Garcia-Romeu was awarded a Villa Médicis Hors les Murs grant in 2003-2004. The company is also associated with the Université Nice Côte d'Azur, where it regularly organises seminars for students in the Performing Arts department. It welcomes artists from across Europe for residencies and offers apprenticeships. Additionally, it has led an innovative digital project, Europe Créative INEUPUP, which has fostered a European synergy around puppetry by bringing together various institutions, including universities, companies, theatres, and local authorities, spanning research, production, and transmission.