After experiencing a completely failed start, far from the initial ambitions, the Théâtre du Jura bar seems to gradually find its rhythm and its meaning. The Delémont Regional Cultural Center had the good idea of using it as a setting for a season of concerts with an intimate atmosphere. A way to animate the formidable tool that is the Theater, says Yves Noirjean, director of the CCRD.
There will be seven meetings, most of the time on Thursday evening (except one Saturday and one Wednesday) with sometimes regional artists, for example the duo formed by Simon Gerber and Sophie Noir (January 9) sometimes much more exotic like Bonanza and Emile Bourgault (March 19), Quebecers whom the programmers were just able to pick up along their European journey. There will be an entrance fee “so that we can still listen to the artists a little and so that the refreshment bar is not filled with people who take advantage of the entertainment to just come and have a drink”.
From “not great” restaurant to “great refreshment bar”
Apart from that, the bar seems to have recovered from the sinking of the Guinguette and its overly lofty ambitions, according to the director of the Théâtre du Jura, Robert Sandoz. Two years ago, it was the latter institution which had to take over management in place of the cooperative society. Several changes were then made and the role of this corner of the theater was reviewed. Catering was abandoned and opening hours were reduced to theater events. The luxury he can afford without paying rent.
“We did not have the infrastructure to make cooking simple (editor’s note: everything you need can be found in Saint-Georges). We went from a not-so-great restaurant to a great refreshment bar,” argues Robert Sandoz.
The bar also heard criticism that the prices at the time were “too elitist.” “We have lowered our price range while continuing to source locally,” maintains the director.
And the mayonnaise seems to have set. “After the shows, the artists who go back to the ground floor around 11 p.m. are generally often fascinated by the excitement and conviviality that can still reign there.” Everything now generates a slight profit, he says.
Health!
#Swiss
