At 48, Fabien André is the new director of Moulin du Roc. Former administrator of Grand R, the national scene of La Roche-sur-Yon, he took up his position last week. “I am taking over the management of a structure which is progressing, saved by the partners and the public, many of whom discover the work of the artists”he rejoices.
The Moulin du Roc had a deficit, recorded in 2022, of around 300,000 euros. Even if it is to be watched, “the situation is restored financially”and now in balance, immediately emphasizes Jacqueline Lefebvre, president of the Le Moulin du Roc association.
“Values resonated at the time of my candidacy: humanism, mutualism and the social and solidarity economy”
All the lights are therefore green for Fabien André and the national scene, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. “This is my first position as director, the junction between the skills acquired over thirty years of experience. I am committed to decentralization, with the ability to address artists from here and much further afield. Values resonated at the time of my candidacy: humanism, mutualism and the social and solidarity economy. » It carries a project generating “crossover between audiences”.
The new director of the Moulin du Roc wants the presence of artists in the priority districts of the city’s policy.
© (Photo NR, Jean-André Boutier)
4,500 members
Two events are already planned: “The Shortest Day”, December 20, 2025, a day of shows and cinema, lasting a few minutes each time and the MDR (Mort de Rire) festival. , in reference to the initials of Moulin du Roc, the week of January 15, 2026.
This approach of openness will add to the concern to continue “territorial irrigation”by performing outside the walls. Fabien André settles in Niort with two companion artists, the choreographer Lise Dusuel and the director Philippe Durand.
-Le Moulin du Roc benefited from great momentum in 2024, driven by public loyalty. “There are nearly 4,500 members at the start of the 2024 school year. The live performance attracted more than 42,000 people, compared to 38,000 in 2023. Among them, 10,000 were schoolchildren, compared to 9,000 last year”note Jacqueline Lefebvre.
Fabien André will ensure that the budget of Moulin du Roc is consolidated.
© (Photo NR, Jean-André Boutier)
“Consolidate the budget”
Young audiences remain a priority in the eyes of Fabien André. “In 2025-2026, we will have a large number of shows and films for these age groups. Artists will continue to offer works in schools. »
The director also wishes to include the presence of artists in the priority districts of city policy during “two or three years minimum” in order to bring “another look, another breath and sometimes even create vocations”.
Le Moulin du Roc looks to the future. “We will have to consolidate the budget for the national scene. We must return to what it was several years ago in the next two or three years. We must do better to support creation and protect artists. »
