A theater festival in the garden of the Villa Magdala in Hyères

It's not just a single stage, but an idyllic setting that will serve as the backdrop for the first open-air theater festival and its three shows. Join us this Saturday, May 3rd, for the kickoff.

But what wonderful property lies hidden behind the high walls and entrance gate of number 49 Montée de Costebelle? Who hasn't dreamed of discovering the hidden side of Villa Magdala, nestled in the heart of a wooded park? Throughout its history, this former holiday resort for English aristocrats, whose most famous guest was Queen Victoria during her visit to Hyères in March 1892, has retained all its authenticity. But why have a treasure carefully preserved and guard it jealously? For Marie Magdeleine Lessana, the owner of the place, it was necessary to share the beauty of the place, its history, and open the doors to the public.

Three dates, three shows

A psychoanalyst and writer, the lady of Villa Magdala has been keeping the heart of this extraordinary site beating since 2022, welcoming numerous artists for exceptional moments. A new chapter is being written with the creation of the Villa's first open-air festival, featuring three dates and three astonishing shows to transport spectators on a daring journey to discover a remarkable site.

Cross the walls from this Saturday, May 3 (at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m.) with J'en ai rêved directed by Sylvie Rémy, well known to the people of Hyères for having directed the association Les Petits bonshommes. It all begins when a storyteller, on a path, clings to a hundred-year-old tree. She will discover extraordinary characters there, led by theater, dance, sculpture… Characters interpreted by eight young people from Hyères and Var who, each in their own way, develop their artistic expression. "I'm tired of not always honoring beautiful, talented people who are, moreover, from the city," comments Sylvie Rémy.

What can we expect? To be surprised, to be carried away on a stroll through the grounds of the Villa Magdala. "It will be a journey that comes alive with the audience's footsteps in the garden," explains Hugo Théry, one of the performers of this unique work.

Two other events are scheduled for the following weekend with two renowned actresses. Friday, May 9, at 8 p.m., Two Light Bulbs Out of Five is presented by Isabelle Laffon. Spectators are transported to November 21, 1938. A woman of letters, Lydia Chukovskaya, goes to see the immense Russian poet Anna Akhmatova for the first time, whose poems she knows by heart. Although everything sets them apart, they remain inseparable for 25 years. Anna Akhmatova is banned from publishing, her son is in the camps, and Lydia Chukovskaya's husband has been arrested. Anna humorously said that, at home, there were always "two light bulbs out of five" that worked. The show is lit by flashlights held by both the spectators and the two protagonists. A piece of life and history that resonates with today's Ukraine.

Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m., Al Atlal, song for my mother , performed by Norah Krief. The actress addresses her late mother in a concert-show accompanied by three musicians. She brings her family's Tunisian roots to life. On the ruins of a love that echoes the feelings of exile, she makes her own the song Al Atlal by Oum Kalthoum, inspired by the poem by Ibrahim Nagi. The woman who suffered from the gaze of others shares this heritage that she tried to erase to be more in line with society.

Step outside the walls this Saturday, May 3rd, to discover what you never thought you'd see...

Practical information: The shows take place at 49 Montée de Costebelle. Parking is available at the green gate. Snacks are available on site. Passes for all three shows are available for €50 (subject to membership). Information can be obtained by email at [email protected]. Tel.: +33 9 73 57 94 52