Artphonème

Théâtre Artphonème in Bourg-en-Bresse is a small, intimate theatre run by the resident company Compagnie Dumêmenon, known for original stage work, poetry evenings, and close contact between performers and audience.

What is this place?

Artphonème sits at 9 Rue Lazare Carnot in Bourg-en-Bresse, the prefecture of the Ain department. The auditorium holds just 50 seats, so every performance feels closer to a personal encounter with the cast than an anonymous night at a big venue. Despite its small footprint, the stage itself is generously sized, wide enough to host choreographers and dancers alongside actors.

The venue is run by Compagnie Dumêmenon, a resident troupe that produces its own shows here while also lending the stage to visiting professional and amateur companies. The city of Bourg-en-Bresse has designated the theatre a local resource hub for the performing arts: it houses a substantial costume collection along with a stock of set pieces and props that touring companies can draw on for their productions.

What can you see there?

The backbone of the programme is Compagnie Dumêmenon's own work, blending theatre, spoken word and music — titles that have played here include "Imposteuse," "Les oiseaux chantent" and "du bleu sur mon doigt." The company favours devices drawn from surrealism and childlike imagination: collage, distancing from convention, and unexpected juxtapositions.

The theatre also runs a strand called "Voix Mêlées" and doubles as a Maison de la Poésie — a House of Poetry. Each year, as part of the nationwide Printemps des Poètes festival, it hosts gatherings and evenings dedicated to poetry and specific poets. A small on-site library is open to visitors, and Artphonème welcomes artists through creative residencies, backing their technical and organisational work.

When to go and how to get there?

The address is 9 Rue Lazare Carnot, 01000 Bourg-en-Bresse, right in the town centre and an easy walk for anyone exploring the historic core. The theatre's office is open on Tuesdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. On other days, the auditorium opens for scheduled performances, with doors unlocking 30 minutes before curtain. It's worth checking the current schedule before visiting, since the programme shifts seasonally with new Compagnie Dumêmenon premieres and residency guests.

Many visitors first hear about Artphonème through word of mouth, and the theatre has built a reputation as a place people return to, trusting they'll get a warm welcome and shows that step outside familiar formulas.

Frequently asked questions

How many seats does the auditorium have? The house holds 50 seats, keeping every performance close and personal regardless of where you sit.

Who runs the theatre? It's operated by the resident company Compagnie Dumêmenon, with backing from the city of Bourg-en-Bresse, which has designated the venue a local arts resource centre.

Is there more going on than just theatre shows? Yes — the venue hosts a House of Poetry with events tied to the Printemps des Poètes festival, runs the "Voix Mêlées" programme, keeps a small library open to visitors, and hosts artists through creative residencies.

How do you check opening hours and the schedule? The office is open Tuesdays (11:00 am–12:30 pm and 2:30 pm–5:00 pm), and on show nights the doors open 30 minutes before curtain — check the current programme before visiting, since it changes seasonally.