Visiting the Strasbourg National Theatre
There is only one national theater in France located outside of Paris. You will find it in Alsace, on the avenue de la Marseillaise. The Strasbourg National Theatre (TNS) is the only one of the five national theaters in the country situated in the provinces.
History
The institution began as the national dramatic art center in Colmar. It was founded in 1946 in Colmar. In 1952, the French state and the municipal government of Strasbourg decided to reconstruct the building of the conservatoire de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Conservatory). A portion of the space was dedicated to the Centre Dramatique de l'Est (Dramatic Center of the East).
In 1955, under the direction of Michel Saint-Denis, the centre dramatique and the école supérieure d'art dramatique (Higher School of Dramatic Art) moved into the facility. In 1957, a circular theater space designed by Pierre Sonrel was inaugurated. The building was officially listed as a historic monument 40 years later.
The venue was designated a national theater in 1968, thanks to the efforts of André Malraux.
In 1995, the conservatory relocated to the Cité de la Musique et de la Danse (City of Music and Dance). This move freed up space for renovations, and the building reopened in 1997. Today, it houses performance halls, rehearsal spaces, set and costume construction workshops, and administrative offices.
The Strasbourg National Theatre
The Strasbourg National Theatre features 4 performance venues, along with a documentation center that maintains archives and a collection focused on the performing arts.
It also hosts young talent within its higher school of dramatic art. It is the only national theater in France that incorporates a school. This setup allows students to stay in constant contact with the professional theater world they aim to join.
The theater offers a diverse program that blends dramatic tradition with contemporary works, incorporating visual arts and music. It remains a unique space for art and culture.
The Strasbourg National Theatre is worth a visit for its architecture, but also for its eclectic program. You are sure to find plays there that will suit your taste!