Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse Unveils Diverse 2026-2027 Season Amidst Funding Cuts
Lyon, France – June 1, 2026 – The Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse in Lyon has announced its highly anticipated 2026-2027 season, promising a vibrant program rooted in inclusivity, feminism, decolonialism, and queer aesthetics. Under the leadership of Courtney Geraghty, the theater continues to cultivate an eclectic range of artistic expressions, a strategy that has resulted in an excellent occupancy rate.
Despite its artistic success and strong public engagement, the Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse is grappling with significant financial challenges. The theater has experienced a 10.3% decrease in subsidies from the Drac over the past two years, leading to a growing deficit. In response to these financial pressures, the institution has taken the unprecedented step of launching an appeal for donations, a first for the region.
A Season of Rich and Diverse Programming
The 2026-2027 season will feature 32 spectacles, including seven new creations. Two of these new works will premiere at the Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse itself: one by Mélissa Zehner, one of the theater’s two associated artists, and another by the all-female circus collective Portés de femmes. Ticket sales for this diverse new season will commence on Wednesday, June 10.
The theater is also committed to showcasing regional companies, with performances such as “Nelvar” by Logan De Carvalho, previously seen at the Théâtre du Point du Jour, and “Back to reality” by Adèle Gascuel and Catherine Hargreaves.
A highlight of the season will be the fourth edition of Festiviel, a queer and feminist event that promises an array of enticing and unconventional proposals. Additionally, “Romancero Queer” by Virginie Despentes will return after its highly successful run last season, which saw tickets quickly sell out due to overwhelming demand.
Emphasis on Dance and Circus Arts
Dance and circus arts will feature prominently in the upcoming program, with five dedicated productions. These include “Cirque Queer,” “Il n’y a pas que les chat·tes qui ont neuf vies,” Camille Boitel’s new untitled piece, and the dynamic duo of Israel Galvan and Mohamed El Khatib with “Israel & Mohammed,” which premiered at Avignon last summer.
Other highly recommended performances include “Histoire(s) décoloniale(S)” by Betty Tchomanga and “Dyke” by Bili Bellegarde, an exceptional cabaret artist and singer who captivated audiences last year in the cabaret La Bouche. This reflects the theater’s continued embrace of the cabaret genre, which is enjoying widespread popularity across France.
Practical Information and Community Support
The box office for the 2026-2027 season will open on Wednesday, June 10, with tickets available for purchase on the Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse website. The theater encourages patrons and art enthusiasts to support its mission through donations to help mitigate the impact of reduced public funding.
This financial appeal underscores a broader challenge facing cultural institutions, even those with strong audience engagement. The Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse program remains unwavering, despite the economic hurdles. The theater’s ability to continue offering such a rich cultural experience relies increasingly on the support of its community.
