Champs Mélisey, France
Organized by Dominique Montain and Henri Ogier, co-artistic directors of the object-theater company Au Cul du Loup, a French troupe that combines choreography, original musical objects and vocal scores to create evening-length musical movement theater works, Champs Mélisey provides a serene summer retreat in rural Burgundy for the development of the performing arts. (Map)
Housed
on an 18th-century farm refurbished to include two dance studios, a design
workshop as well as accommodation
for up to 26 resident artists, Champs Mélisey is designed for creative learning,
providing an immersion experience of the artist's life in France and an ideal
setting for concentrated study and personal artistic development.
The
Town of Mélisey, Bourgogne
In
the typical charm that defines the Burgundy region, the quiet village of Mélisey
lies hidden between two valleys, surrounded by vineyards and brooks, forests
and farmland. On the rocky hill that towers over the ancient lavoir (village
water source surrounded by stone architecture used historically for washing
clothes) stands the medieval church of Saint-Aventin. On the village square,
the little maison du sabotier (clog maker) evokes the past while the local
residents recount the festivities and balls that flourished there. The surrounding
woods and footpaths invite you to wander and explore. The stone from which
most of the village houses are constructed provides a unity of character to
the local architecture. Pilgrims en route to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
crossing through Mélisey often stop to take in the peacefulness of this little
village in the region of Tonnerre.
Mélisey
means a thousand sources, and Les Champs Mélisey, located at the entrance
to the village, provides a serene retreat where artists find inspiration and
calm. Les Champs Mélisey has become known locally as a source of artistic
creation and an exciting place to attend performances made by artists from
all over the world. Drawing its audience from dozens of neighboring villages
and towns, Les Champs Mélisey is a true beacon of cultural and artistic exchange.
