Touring program offers diverse performances

A touring program called Contes en balade offers seven different performances across the Gard department, aiming to bring oral literature to residents and promote cultural accessibility. Established in 1998, the program is organized by the Department of Books and Reading and includes 14 events in 12 communes.

Event structure and audience focus

Françoise Laurent-Perrigot, president of the Departmental Council of the Gard, explains that the event includes nine performances open to the general public and five sessions tailored for specific audiences. Artists are selected from Occitanie and other regions to encourage cultural exchange and the discovery of diverse talents.

Performances for all ages

Some shows are designed for all ages, while others are specifically created for very young children. These events are held in collaboration with local communes and intercommunalities, ensuring a range of venues and community involvement.

"The Butterfly Thief" performance details

The Butterfly Thief, by the company Gestes et Formes, tells the story of a child and his grandmother on a global journey to find butterflies. The performance will take place in Nîmes on November 18 at 15:30 and again on November 20 at 10:00.

"The Goat and the Bodegaire" performance details

The Goat and the Bodegaire, by Pascale Théron, follows a deceitful goat who is brought back to life through music, highlighting the Occitan bagpipe known as the bodéga or cabra. The show will be held in Fournès on November 25 at 15:00 and in Saint-Laurent-le-Minier on November 27 at 18:00.

"Contes au fil des cordes" performance details

Contes au fil des cordes, by Merline l'Enchanteuse, features traditional Celtic and Breton stories performed with guitar, harp, and cello. It will be presented in Manduel on November 27 at 20:30, in Allègre-les-Fumades on November 28 at 15:00, and in Nîmes on November 26.

"The Nadal Pair Dance" and "Winter Stories" details

The Nadal Pair Dance, also by Pascale Théron, explores themes of friendship and music with goats and the bodéga or cabra. It will be performed in Saint-Julien-les-Rosiers on November 28 at 15:30. Winter Stories, by Merline l'Enchanteuse, features tales of solidarity and travel with lullabies and string instruments, and will be held in Saint-Privat-des-Vieux on November 25 at 14:30.

"Tam Tam" and "Allez Zou" for young audiences

Tam Tam, by Madame Glou, is a show for young children exploring communication through rhythm and music. It will be performed in Bagnols-sur-Cèze and Anduze on November 20. Allez Zou, by Dare d'Art, is a sensory musical experience for very young children and will be held in Val d'Aigoual, Milhaud, and Saint-Gervais on various dates. Free entry is available for most performances, with reservations required when specified by local organizers.