A Flying Grandmother Takes Center Stage: “La Nonna et les Étoiles” Prepares for Festival Debut
Ath, Belgium – A unique blend of circus, puppetry, and poetry is set to captivate audiences at the 36th edition of “Sortilèges, rue et vous,” a prominent arts festival in Ath, Belgium. The performance, titled “La Nonna et les Étoiles” (The Grandmother and the Stars), created by the Cie à prendre ou à voler (The Company to Take or to Fly), recently concluded a week-long residency in the Pays Vert region, preparing for its public premiere. The festival, a cornerstone of Wallonia picarde’s cultural landscape, will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, offering a full day of free performances and animations.
“La Nonna et les Étoiles” promises a whimsical and thought-provoking experience, centered around an elderly woman who dreams of taking to the skies alongside acrobats. The company’s residency, facilitated by the Maison culturelle d’Ath (Ath Cultural House) and the Centre des arts de la rue (Street Arts Center), allowed the performers to refine their innovative present in a rural setting. This collaborative effort underscores the region’s commitment to fostering artistic creation and providing platforms for emerging talent.
A Unique Fusion of Art Forms
The Cie à prendre ou à voler is known for its inventive approach to performance art, and “La Nonna et les Étoiles” is no exception. The show seamlessly integrates the dynamism of circus arts with the delicate artistry of puppetry and the evocative power of poetry. The narrative revolves around a Nonna – a grandmother figure – who, amidst the preparations of acrobats, develops a desire to fly herself. She’s described as a passionate spectator, a matriarchal presence, and a slightly disruptive force, surprising both the performers and the audience with her unconventional aspirations. The Maison culturelle d’Ath details the performance as offering a chance to witness a grandmother defying expectations and taking flight.
Beyond the performance itself, the company will also offer an initiation to the trapeze, allowing audience members to experience the sensation of flying, even if just for a moment. This interactive element aims to further immerse the public in the show’s central theme and encourage a playful exploration of physical boundaries. The performance is designed to be accessible, with provisions made for deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members.
Sortilèges, Rue et Vous: A Festival Tradition
“La Nonna et les Étoiles” is just one of many attractions planned for the 36th annual “Sortilèges, rue et vous” festival. Established as a key event in Wallonia picarde, the festival transforms the city of Ath into a vibrant hub of artistic expression on the Thursday of Ascension. LillelaNuit.com reports that the festival is entirely free to attend, making it a widely accessible cultural experience.
The festival showcases a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including theatre, music, dance, and circus, featuring over thirty companies from Belgium and France. A significant component of “Sortilèges, rue et vous” is the “Tremplin” (Trampoline), a platform dedicated to showcasing the work of young, emerging companies. This initiative provides these artists with an opportunity to gain exposure and launch their careers. The festival’s organizers emphasize its commitment to both established and up-and-coming talent, creating a dynamic and inclusive artistic environment.
A Celebration of Street Arts
“Sortilèges, rue et vous” distinguishes itself through its unique setting and immersive atmosphere. Performances unfold across approximately twenty locations throughout the city center, transforming familiar spaces into unexpected stages. The festival’s program includes over sixty performances, offering a wide variety of artistic experiences to suit diverse tastes. The Centre des Arts de la Rue plays a crucial role in nurturing the creativity showcased at the festival, providing a space for artists to develop and refine their work throughout the year.
The festival’s impact extends beyond entertainment, contributing to the cultural vitality of the region and attracting visitors from across Belgium and France. The event’s organizers highlight its role in fostering a sense of community and celebrating the power of art to connect people. The 2026 edition promises to build on this legacy, offering a compelling program of performances and animations that will delight audiences of all ages.
The Creative Team Behind “La Nonna et les Étoiles”
“La Nonna et les Étoiles” is brought to life by a talented team of artists and technicians. Fanny Dumont serves as the creator and director, with Amanda Kibble contributing to the staging. Michel Villée provided an external perspective, while Philippe Vande Weghe, Stéphanie Vander Meiren, Pierre-Antoine Jacquemain, Céline Wiertz, and Thérèse Coriou handled the stage management and technical aspects. Stéphanie Vander Meiren also designed the scenography and illustrations. The performers include Fanny Dumont, Julie Antoine, Clara Timsit, Sando, and Hervé De Brouwer. The Cie A prendre ou à voler…?! is responsible for the diffusion of the performance, with co-production support from MCFA and Tax Shelter. Patricia Debras is credited with the performance’s photography.
The show’s production reflects a collaborative spirit, bringing together diverse skills and perspectives to create a truly unique artistic experience. The involvement of the Maison culturelle d’Ath and the Centre des arts de la rue underscores the importance of local partnerships in supporting artistic innovation.
As “La Nonna et les Étoiles” prepares for its festival debut, anticipation is building among audiences eager to witness this captivating blend of circus, puppetry, and poetry. The performance promises to be a highlight of the 36th edition of “Sortilèges, rue et vous,” further solidifying the festival’s reputation as a premier celebration of street arts in Wallonia picarde. The festival itself will run from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM on May 14, 2026, offering a full day of free entertainment.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on “Sortilèges, rue et vous” and other exciting cultural events around the globe. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.