Le Lavoir Théâtre

Le Lavoir Théâtre stands in Menton’s Vallon du Fossan, where a communal washhouse became a theatre during the 1990s. The city supported the conversion, and the mayor inaugurated the new stage in 1995. Stéphane Rubin Dieulois and L’Agneau Carnivore led the early years until 2007. Former students and regular audience members later received approval to manage the venue, with Mandine Guillaume directing its artistic programme.

Contemporary writing and new creations shape the work presented here, while regional companies develop productions on site. Arnika Cie, the resident company, leads “acteurs spectateurs” workshops for children and adults. These sessions connect professional theatre with amateur practice and invite participants to learn alongside experienced performers. Productions can also bring historical events and personal stories to the stage with only three actors. Le Lavoir Théâtre therefore joins performance, training and local artistic life around a stage built where people once washed clothes together.