Mézières, Switzerland – The Théâtre du Jorat, a historic open-air theatre nestled near Lausanne, unveiled its 2026 season on Tuesday, February 24th, with a program centered around the theme of connection – “Ce qui nous lie” (What binds us). The season, running from May 1st to October 2nd, will feature 18 performances spanning theatre, music, and participatory art forms, with a particular focus on the relationship between people and the land.
The season’s opening will coincide with a presentation held at the theatre’s new Pavillon on Tuesday evening, with doors opening at 6:45 PM. Ticket sales for the full season will begin on Wednesday, February 25th, at 1:00 PM, alongside subscription options.
Ariane Moret, the theatre’s director, described the season as a continuation of her personal journey, growing up between rural life, literature, and urban experiences. “This season prolongs this path, between rootedness, culture and imagination,” she stated, according to a press release. The programming reflects this sentiment, aiming to bridge heritage with contemporary creation.
A key element of the season will be a dedicated focus on the links between art and agriculture, echoing the 1908 manifesto “Un théâtre à la campagne” by René Morax, the theatre’s founder. This will be inaugurated with “Un week-end à la campagne,” featuring performances of Emile Zola’s “La Terre,” adapted by Anne Barbot and Agathe Peyrard, Emeric Cheseaux’s solo performance “La Révérence,” and a musical reading of “Faire paysan” by Blaise Hofmann and Stéphane Blok. These productions will explore themes of agricultural life, rural heritage, and the evolving landscape of the farming world.
The season’s repertoire also includes reinterpretations of classic works. A Belgian adaptation of Molière’s “George Dandin” will be staged, alongside Jean Bellorini’s reimagining of Corneille’s “L’Histoire d’un Cid,” set to the music of Starmania. Eric Devanthéry will present his take on Shakespeare’s “Henry IV,” featuring Thierry Romanens as Falstaff. The Revue de Lausanne will transform “Romeo and Juliet” into a musical.
Beyond traditional performances, the Théâtre du Jorat will experiment with audience participation. A concert titled “A la baguette!” will allow audience members to conduct the orchestra, while a “loto-spectacle” called “Carton” by Compagnie TBK will offer prizes of improvised songs and sketches. A participatory production of Molière’s “George” will also involve amateur actors.
The 2026 season will also showcase a number of Swiss artists, including the group Aliose paying tribute to Maxime Le Forestier, Stephan Eicher in a solo performance, and a carte blanche given to Julien Favreau, director of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. The Ensemble vocal de Lausanne will perform “Calme et voluptés,” exploring French music, and the Danish String Quartett will offer a new take on classical and Danish folk music. Actress Agnès Jaoui will share her latest album.
The theatre has also launched “Cultures et tricotage de liens,” a three-year project inviting the public to participate in a collective knitting project, fostering connection and exchange through a shared creative endeavor.
Constructed in 1908 by René Morax and recently renovated, the Théâtre du Jorat, known as “La Grange sublime,” is a historically classified open-air theatre with a capacity of 950 seats.
