“There are still a large number of places left” warns Grégori Baquet, less than a week before the Divers festival in Agen

The 2^e edition of the Divers festival begins in less than a week (December 26). Where are we with ticketing?

Grégori Baquet: “There are still a large number of places left for all the shows (as a reminder, the capacity has increased from 98 to 196 seats). The New Year's Eve party is almost full.”

There are big names from the scene headlining this year, including Pierre Arditi and Patrick Chesnais. Where do you know them from?

Grégori Baquet: “I have known Pierre Arditi since I was little. It was he who made me want to play the play Ladies tailorbecause he played it with my father (Maurice Baquet, editor's note) more than 30 years ago. I never had the chance to be on a project with him, but when I asked him to come and play in Agen, he told me: I'll come right away. Patrick Chesnais, we've been meeting for years. And last summer, we shared the stage of the Théâtre Actuel at the Avignon festival. I was playing My name is George and he Apology letters right after. We talked a lot and when I called him to ask him to come to the Divers festival, he said yes straight away.”

Also read:
Pierre Arditi, Patrick Chesnais, Omar Hasan… Big names in theater convened for the second edition of the Divers festival in Agen

What is your favorite piece from the festival?

Grégori Baquet: “Looking For Bill (which will be played Friday December 27). It's a musical piece that I co-wrote with Sébastien Ducher, who is a jazz pianist. The play takes place on the birthday of Sébastien (who plays himself). He sits down at the piano, sings, plays Bills Evans, and through his introspection of this day, we will revisit the life of the famous pianist. We notably see his collaboration with the composer and trumpeter Miles Davis on the album Kind of Blue. A jazz trio comes to play at one point. For jazz and theater lovers, it's a good compromise.”

You opened the theater school last October. Will we have the chance to see the students on stage?

Grégori Baquet: “Yes. They are working with the teachers… They will open for Arditi and Chesnais. The rest is a surprise.”

The 2024 season was a success with many dates sold out. Are you happy with the progress you have made since your arrival?

Grégori Baquet: “Our two creations (Ladies tailor et The reason for the craziest, Rousseau vs Diderot) were a hit. Initially, our shows started with 80% occupancy and then very quickly, we were turning away people every day. This is what reinforces our idea of ​​playing for the long term. We are planning to have a theater season, and in particular to offer a show three days a week. Our team is growing little by little. We are very excited, and on the right track for the future.”