In front of the Pâquier, on the edge of the Lake Annecy, is Bonlieu Scène nationale. It is a modern cultural center whose mission is to offer performing arts. The productions can be created by the Bonlieu center or already exist.
The first national stage in France
With over 155,000 spectators per season, BSN is one of the most active stages in France. Up to 240 performance dates of theater, dance, music, or circus are offered each season, for 94 different shows. With more than 9,300 subscribers, it is a loyal audience that chooses a quality cultural program. More than forty years after its opening, BSN is the first national stage in France, true to its mission of fostering relationships between audiences and contemporary works. The Ministry of Culture provides an annual grant of 1.7 million euros to its budget.
Even if you are on vacation in Annecy for a few days, you can check the BSN agenda to attend a show.
Bonlieu Scène nationale in a few dates
The Bonlieu theater opened its doors in 1981. It officially became a national stage in 1992. Five years later, Salvador Garcia was appointed director. Gradually, Bonlieu developed and refined its programming. Between 2012 and 2014, the theater was renovated. During these two seasons, performances took place at the Haras d’Annecy. A third room was then created and dedicated to creation, another part of the performing arts. In total, 1,400 spectators can be accommodated. The large hall has 925 seats, the small hall has 270 seats, and the creation room has 199 standing places and 150 seated places. Since 2020, Bonlieu has been associated with the Annecy Paysages festival.
The Creation Club of Bonlieu
In order to strengthen its production activity, but also to support young artists, Bonlieu Scène nationale has established a Creation Club. The association of the economic world and the creative world has thus imposed itself. The creation room was established in 2014. It is equipped with the most advanced automated technical systems. It thus offers artistic teams the opportunity to develop their project while benefiting from suitable equipment, budgetary and administrative support, as well as assistance with production and distribution.
The European creation hub Annecy-Chambéry
Always with the aim of promoting young creation, the national stages of Annecy and Chambéry decided to create a partnership. The resulting production hub is supported by the Ministry of Culture. These two stages will thus have more facilities to collaborate on European production projects. In parallel, they also work with the Swiss stages of the cities of Lausanne and Geneva.
The must-sees of Bonlieu
Some events are must-attend appointments for the audience of Bonlieu Scène nationale. They address the performing arts in all their forms. We particularly recommend two of them.
The Italian Cinema Festival
At the end of September each year, Annecy hosts the Italian Cinema Festival. For a week, films in their original version with subtitles are screened. Every year, prestigious guests travel to Annecy to present their works. It is therefore a great opportunity to meet actors and directors. The event celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022.
The Variations Classiques Festival
Bonlieu organizes the Variations Classiques Festival every year. This classical music festival has an international reach. It develops connections between the arts by inviting a reference personality. In 2022, the guest of honor was actress Fanny Ardant. She shared her musical passions by participating in the performance “Aurelia Steiner” by Marguerite Duras.
Programming and pricing policy
Whether you are passionate about theater, modern or classical dance, concerts, or opera, you are sure to find a quality show throughout the year. You just need to target the show or concert that interests you. Note that performances take place throughout the week and not just on Friday or Sunday evenings.
The 2022-2023 season
The 2022-2023 season aims to be particularly joyful, after two years marked by the health crisis. Bonlieu will thus transform into a dancing stage, with multiple concerts and increasingly surprising performances. Among the highlights, we will find Les Fourberies de Scapin with André Dussollier or Broadway Symphonique, with the Orchestre des Pays de Savoie. And, as every year, Bonlieu Scène nationale will honor Italy while remaining in France, with the Italian Cinema Festival.
2022-2023 season Bonlieu Scène nationale.
The pricing policy of Bonlieu Scène nationale
Since prices vary greatly from one show to another, we recommend checking the Official website of Bonlieu Scène nationale. The pricing policy highlights discounts for students, job seekers, people with reduced mobility, children, and adults accompanying younger ones to the theater. This allows them to enjoy the performing arts while staying in Haute-Savoie, in Annecy.
The past seasons
2021-2022 season, a return to normal
The 2021-2022 season marked a return to normal for Bonlieu, with 13 shows produced and rehearsed in Annecy, as well as 20 others, co-produced. Singers, dancers, and other artists were thus able to perform in front of the Annecy audience, in the three rooms of the national stage.
2020-2021, an “out-of-the-walls” season for BSN artists
Due to the health crisis, the cultural world had been at a standstill for over a year. To reconnect with the audience, the artists of this cultural stage proposed for the 2021 season, seven teams that went on tour outside the walls. These sessions included presentation times, exchanges, and introductions to cultural practices.
