After a cycle of three seminars (2019-2022) devoted to exploring the phenomena of circulation and the transversality of practices between Parisian theatres, the ThéPARis research programme presented a new seminar in 2023 which extended its scope of investigation to the whole of France: ThéPARis-France. The aim of the 2024 edition is to continue the study of the circulation of people, ideas and practices throughout France under the Ancien Régime, in order to understand what kind of relationship was established between theatrical scenes at several geographical levels: firstly, the link between centre and periphery, in a centrifugal movement (Paris-provinces) and its opposite; secondly, the existing dynamics between theatres and companies within the same city; lastly, the relationship between theatres in different cities and regions. The major challenge posed by this survey lies in reconstructing the repertoire, which to date is much less well known than that of Parisian theatres. It is therefore essential to carry out in-depth research into primary sources (dramatic texts, scores, iconography, etc.).

The question of the materiality of the theatres is also an essential element in understanding the type of repertoire performed (particularly in the case of adaptations of works from elsewhere). Another central element is the identification of the movements of people (authors, performers, technicians), in order to retrace the evolution of their professional careers and the impact that this has had on the theatrical practices of the different venues. The work carried out during the first edition of ThéPARis-France led us to explore different theatrical realities outside the capital, and in particular activities in cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille and Nantes. New results and perspectives have emerged, thanks also to the partnership and collaboration with researchers from the various institutions involved. This new edition will shed light on other geographical areas: Montpellier, Bordeaux, Lille, Nice, as well as other linguistic areas (Breton and Occitan). Finally, while respecting the principle of transversality that guides the approach of the ThéPARis programme, the questions will also be extended to the non-paying theatrical and musical scenes, in order to analyse and evaluate the circulation of forms, genres and people outside the commercial circuits of the French theatre of the Ancien Régime.

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