Culture

The Beginnings

Varia's theatrical adventure began in 1982, on the initiative of three directors: Marcel Delval, Michel Dezoteux, and Philippe Sireuil. They were supported by Christian Daumerie (Varia's manager until his death in 1991) and by Sylvie Somen. On 12 January 1982, Philippe Sireuil opened Théâtre Varia's first season with "L'homme qui avait le soleil dans sa poche" by Jean Louvet. The second show was "Susn" by Archternbush, directed by Michel Dezoteux. The third was "Fin de partie" by Beckett, directed by Marcel Delval in a jam-packed Varia.

Officially inaugurated on 09 September 1988 as Théâtre de la Communauté française, Théâtre Varia was the first to sign a programme contract, to welcome a resident company (Michele Anne De Mey), to offer a baby-sitting service, a catering service, and so on and so forth.

While its originality lies in the fact that it was built around three directors, it has became open to other creative talents, and has opened its doors to young companies. Théâtre Varia, currently, is being co-directed by Michel Dezoteux and Sylvie Somen. They are two halls, two resident companies: the Transquinquennal Group and Denis Mpunga.

A Daring Style

Théâtre Varia, as Art Theatre, wants to be something of an echo chamber of artistic adventures involving audacity, innovation, the unaccustomed, and the unexpected. Interested in theatrical forms and dance in equal measure, it offers its stage to creations which are in tune with today's world and which scoff at academia. Ignoring borders, favouring diversity, liking challenges, it explores not only well-known areas but also new scripts. Its two halls (one with a capacity of 120 seats, the other 300) foster relations between house and stage. Meetings with the artistes, debates and readings are also part of the programme, with the aim of inspiring the audience and opening their minds to new avenues of thought.

Catering

Concerts, dances, and buffets are held in the bar, and benefit from its cordial architecture. Enjoying such warmth and conviviality, Café Varia morphs into a restaurant, before and after the show, with a small menu of tasty dishes at affordable prices.