“We wanted to welcome better and more,” explains Françoise de Roffignac, vice-president of the Departmental Council and president of the Joint Syndicate which manages these ancient remains. Just a stone’s throw from the village of Talmont-sur-Gironde, this Gallo-Roman site is one of the most important in New Aquitaine. It consists of a museum and, a little further up, on the edge of the vineyards, an ancient theater. It is the latter which was redeveloped throughout the winter.
After five months of work, it has a new gradation in grass and stone which gives it a new look, close to its original form. “In the Gallo-Roman era, the theater could accommodate between 6,000 and 8,000 people. There, we can have a capacity of 3,000 people on the stands and that’s without counting the lower part where we can put up to 1,000 people standing,” adds Françoise de Roffignac.
Inauguration on July 16
These developments, which cost 385,960 euros – including 272,800 euros financed by the Department – beautify the curves of the theater. It was in fact in this place, 2,000 years ago, that shows of music, comedy, dance, tragedy and even gladiator fights took place.
From July 16, the green theater will vibrate to the rhythm of the summer season and its flow of visitors. From this same date, Les Fabuleux rendez-vous takes up residence in the ancient theater for shows and other concerts. This year, a new historical show appears in the program.
“The New Kingdom” is an original creation led by the Compagnie Terres de Légendes and Prysm’Orion. The historical plot immerses the viewer in the ancient port city of Novioregum where he will follow the destiny of a young Gallo-Roman girl. The first performance will take place on 1er August during the day and August 2 in the evening, to discover a majestic spectacle of sounds and lights.
Archaeological excavations
For ten years, from 2007 to 2017, the ancient theater was the subject of archaeological excavations supported by the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac), the Department and the Joint Syndicate for the development of the Fâ site. They made it possible to gradually reveal the remains of an ancient port city linked to Saintes and the Roman Empire. Currently, the Barzan Mixed Union is working on the development of a walking and educational route which would allow visitors to connect the ancient theater to the museum.
A musical inauguration show
To open the cultural season of the ancient theater, the music and dance group Tambores Nagô gets the ball rolling. Inspired by the rhythms of Brazil and Africa, it offers a show that is both musical and visual in which percussion, guitars, brass and other colorful dances merge. See you Tuesday July 16 at 8 p.m. Free, but by reservation: fa-barzan.com.
