The support is at half mast, but “the door is still open”

On Wednesday March 22nd, a press conference was held at Espace 44 on the subject of the survival of this historic theatrical venue on the avenue Bourdieu (Lyon 1), on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse.

In a tense and then more open atmosphere … Andre Sanfratello, patron of the theater since 1986, recalled its importance, “43 years of artistic existence”, hundreds of companies programmed, welcoming, helpful. And the quasi-condemnation of reducing the subsidy from 35 thousand to 10 thousand euros, decided by the city of Lyon. Then Natalie Perrin Gilbert (left, miscellaneous), a cultural assistant, explained that it wasn’t a matter of “undressing Paul to dress Jack.”

But out of a desire to put in place a “real basic cultural policy”. Where synergies are created between small venues, larger theaters such as the Théâtre de la Croix Rousse, and large institutions such as Les Célestins. But also with regard to the centers of artistic training that our city has: the Insat or the Conservatory of Lyon.

Deaf dialogue?

In this organization, espas 44 isolated appeared. The choice was made to better support the “Scènes Découvertes” (a system of which Espace 44 is no longer a part), which is dedicated to theater and other arts, such as the Théâtre des Clochards Célestes and the Théâtre de l’Élysée.

So that these venues can better support emerging young artists.

Deaf dialogue? Maybe not. Nathalie Perrin Gilbert has invited André Sanfratello to present a new portfolio. Its door is open…