The Théâtre du Soleil, founded in 1964 by Ariane Mnouchkine as a collectively organised theatre cooperative, is one of the most influential European theatre formations of the last 60 years. Since 1970 the troupe has worked in the Cartoucherie — a former munitions factory in the Bois de Vincennes on the eastern edge of Paris, which Mnouchkine and her collective transformed themselves into a theatre space. The productions are famous for their epic length, international casts, and the combination of Western with Far Eastern theatre traditions, especially Japanese Kabuki and Indian Kathakali. Formative works include 1789 (1970), Les Atrides (1990-92), Tambours sur la digue (1999), and Les Éphémères (2006). The ensemble operates on strictly egalitarian principles — all members receive the same salary, all participate in cleaning, cooking, and set construction. Mnouchkine, now in her 80s, continues to lead the collective personally and rehearses for several years on each new production.
Every ensemble member — from Ariane Mnouchkine herself to interns — receives exactly the same salary, and everyone helps after each performance to clean the auditorium and serve the communal evening meal for the audience.
At a glance
- Type
- Theatre
- Location
- Paris, France
- Address
- Cartoucherie, Route du Champ de Manœuvre, 75012
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