Françoise Boillat and Guillaume Béguin have taken over the co-direction of the Théâtre populaire romand (TPR) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, succeeding Anne Bisang after a twelve-year tenure. The duo formally assumed their roles in July, bringing a collaborative and community-focused artistic vision to the regional theater institution.
Leadership Transition at the Théâtre populaire romand
Lifelong artistic partners and childhood peers born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Boillat and Béguin share a history as former roommates and fellow conservatory graduates in Lausanne, where Béguin also founded the Compagnie de nuit comme de jour in 2007. Their leadership framework centers on three guiding pillars: joy, care in creation, and professional theatrical heritage. Guillaume Béguin noted that their long-standing personal history provides a distinct operational advantage, describing their professional dynamic as deeply complementary.
While the incoming co-directors are already embedding their collaborative ethos into current operations, their first official independent programming cycle is scheduled for 2027. Until then, they are supporting the ongoing season shaped by outgoing director Anne Bisang, maintaining a focus on accessibility and shared audience experiences.
Preparation for La Chaux-de-Fonds 2027 Cultural Capital
The year 2027 marks a critical juncture for the theater, coinciding with the citywide designation of La Chaux-de-Fonds as the Swiss Cultural Capital (LCF 27). The TPR plans to anchor its upcoming seasons around this initiative by hosting prominent international and regional productions. Confirmed highlights include an extensive international focus on director and choreographer Gisèle Vienne, featuring her choreographic work ‘Crowd’ alongside her theatrical creation ‘Archive of Feelings’, which was authored by Marie NDiaye. Additionally, director and performer Juliette Vernerey—a native of La Chaux-de-Fonds—will present her new creation, ‘Déluge’, as part of the venue’s upcoming slate.
Did you know? Françoise Boillat and Guillaume Béguin frame artistic joy not as casual lightheartedness, but as an active political and creative driver intended to counter societal pessimism and restore a sense of agency to audiences through performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new co-directors of the Théâtre populaire romand?
Françoise Boillat and Guillaume Béguin assumed co-direction of the TPR, succeeding Anne Bisang, who led the institution for twelve years.
When will the new co-directors launch their first independent season?
While they are actively collaborating on the current transitional season, their first fully curated programming cycle will debut in 2027.
What major event coincides with the TPR’s upcoming artistic shift?
The theater will participate directly in the La Chaux-de-Fonds 2027 Swiss Cultural Capital (LCF 27) initiative, featuring international works by Gisèle Vienne and local creations by Juliette Vernerey.
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