Avignon, France
Théâtre GOLOVINE
An Invitation from the Director
Dear Choreographers,
On February 14, 2009 a group of distinguished choreographers will arrive in Avignon, France to be featured in "The International Choreographers' Showcase" a presentation of Dance-Forms Productions for the people of Avignon to be presented at Theatre de la Danse Golovine.
This exciting trip offers choreographers an excellent opportunity to perform their work, make contact with the press, numerous dance directors, producers, presenters, other artists, (hopefully to negotiate new engagements!) and to earn a share of the revenue from ticket sales of three performances.
I invite choreographers who are willing to invest in themselves and who are interested in expanding their knowledge of other cultures, as well as promoting their work abroad. I invite choreographers who see this thrilling event as an opportunity to benefit their professional development. You receive a complete production package, which includes: the theater, lighting, sound, technical assistance, publicity, pre-show rehearsal arrangements, printed materials, printed programs, box office and hotel accommodation based on two persons sharing twin bedded rooms with private bath/shower.
To find out how to qualify, and the investment required, call my office at (502) 222-2273. Remember, the space is limited, so please call right away. You may call from Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 9 A.M. and 9 P.M. Eastern Time. After we have spoken be prepared to submit your professional resume, 4 full body pictures for publicity, program notes, and a VHS video with samples of the work you will present. Remember, the space is limited, so pick up the phone and contact us now! You may e-mail us at any time. Our e-mail is: danceformspro@aol.com
Dance the World with Dance-Forms Productions! Let's do it now!
Don't wait, if you have further questions, you can check our FAQ page, e-mail us by clicking on danceformspro@aol.com or speak personally with me by calling (502) 222-2273.
I look forward to your participation, and to greeting you in Avignon.
Susana B. Williams
Director
DANCE-FORMS PRODUCTIONS
Welcome to Avignon
Entrance to the city
Avignon, situated in the heart of the Vaucluse region in the south of France, is famed for two celebrated attractions-Le Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) and Pont St Bénezet (the bridge made famous in the ditty 'Sur le pont d' Avignon, on y danse, on y danse...' ). But the city has much more to offer. The Palais des Papes marks the skyline with its graceful and ornate spires, an exterior more awe-inspiring than anything inside. Fire destroyed many of the rooms and only one single bedroom remains fully furnished to impress visitors.
Pont St. Bénezet
The famous bridge, erected on the 12th century, to carry St Bénezet over to the neighboring village of Villeneuve, nowadays retains only four of its original 22 arches. Flood, fire, pillaging, plague and Le Mistral have all ravaged Avignon. Allegedly, the town got its name from the Celts, who dubbed the area 'Avenio' ('the town of violent winds'), in the Bronze Age. Despite all of this, most of Avignon amazingly has remained intact. Around every corner of the narrow, winding cobbled streets, elaborately decorated chapels, churches and convents are revealed. Most date from the 14th century, when Avignon became the center of Christendom and the Palais des Papes was home to a series of seven popes, often more interested in plotting and partying than religion.
Situated on the River Rhône, the setting of Avignon is as colorful as its history, with images straight out of a Van Gogh painting. Quiet streets, secluded courtyards and secret gardens, cosy pavement cafés and fantastic restaurants frequented almost entirely by locals make Avignon the perfect place for a romantic weekend away. Nevertheless, the city is rarely completely at peace. In the 13th century, Avignon became known as the 'ringing town' because of its proliferation of bells. Today, during the summer months, the population of some 88,000 is almost doubled by tourists. Although subject to violent winds (the most famous being Le Mistral, a cold, dry and northwesterly wind) Avignon' s climate is otherwise pleasant, with warm summers, perfect for alfresco activities.
The annual Avignon Festival runs throughout July and attracts aspiring performers and aficionados of the arts. The official festival usually numbers over 40 different acts-most of them performing in the evocative courtyard of the Palais des Papes or in old churches and cloisters around Avignon. There is also a local 'fringe', known as the 'Off' Festival, which comprises 400 acts running non-stop from dawn through to the early hours. Every lamppost and railing is covered with signs advertising some performance, every café has a resident musician and every square is crammed with minstrels, clowns and artists. The scene would be straight out of medieval times, if it were not for the tourists.
Culture
Avignonnais speak French in the sing-song tones of the midi. Many of the older generation speak Provençal, the Romance language of southern France, closely related to Latin. Even those who do not, pepper their speech with Provençalisms. In spite of the French government's refusal to support regional languages, associations are springing up in Avignon and around to educate Avignonnais in their linguistic heritage. Avignon-born singer Guy Bonnet sings in Provençal, and popular media personality Jean-Pierre Belmon ensures that the local radio station France Vaucluse Avignon and regional television station Provençale France 3 Méditerrané produce regular programs in Provençal. The publication Lou Flouregian has a small readership but a greater history-born of the Felibrige movement founded by Frédéric Mistral and Avignon-born Théodore Aubanel, who fought to save the Provençal heritage (see Literary Notes section). Events featuring the Provençal language and culture took pride of place in the year 2000 celebrations.
History
4000BC The Chaseens, the earliest inhabitants of Avignon, settle on the Rocher des Doms.
2000BC The Chalcalithic and Campaniforme civilizations settle on the same site, leaving behind an anthropomorphic monolith (discovered in 1961 and now on display in the Calvet Museum.
500BC The city expands around the clifftop oppidum, under the occupation of a Celto-Ligurian people-the Cavares.
c. 2nd C BC Avignon gains its name-Avenio, ' Lord of the River' according to a translation from the Celtic, or 'City of the Violent Wind' from the Ligurian translation.
49BC Roman influence extends from the Alps to the Pyrenees; Avignon becomes a Latin city.
Late 3rd & early 5th C AD Successive waves of Franks, Alemans, Goths and Burgundes (who make Avignon the southernmost fortification of their realm in AD474) reduce Avignon to a seventh of its former size.
AD537 King Vitiges cedes Avignon and Provence to the Frankish king Clovis; the city becomes a part of the kingdom of Burgundy in 561 until the second half of the eighth century.
734-35 The Saracens enter Arles and Avignon.
737 Charles Martel frees Avignon from Saracen control.
932 Provence is united with Burgundy, forming the kingdom of Arles, annexed to the empire in 1033.
1129 William II, Count of Fovalquier, grants the bishops, knights and ombudsmen of Avignon' power, jurisdiction and seigneurship' ; Avignon acquires the status of a commune.
1177-85 Construction of Pont St-Bénezet.
1226 Louis VIII lays seige to Avignon (10 Jun-12 Sep); his victory is the beginning of the end of the power of Avignon.
1309-76 Six successive popes reside in Avignon (Clement V, Jean XXXII, Benoit XII, Clement VI, Innocent VI and Urban V). The Palais des Papes is begun in 1335. The population swells to 40,000, making Avignon one of Europe's largest cities but, due to the plague and the departure of the pope, the population falls to some 15,000.
1379-1409 The great schism: the warring Catholic church is divided between the supporters of Clement VII and Urban VI.
1403 Benoit XIII escapes from the Palais des Papes.
1580 The plague decimates Avignon.
1680 The River Rhône destroys four arches of Pont St-Bénezet.
1694 The River Rhône freezes over and can be crossed on foot.
1721 Plague devastates the city.
1722 The notorious Parfumeurs set the convent of the Augustins alight.
1777 Oil lamps provide the first street lighting.
18 Aug 1791 Annexation of the county of Avignon to France.
19 Feb 1797 The treaty of Tolentino confirms the unification of Avignon and the County of Venaissin.
25 Apr 1814 Napoleon I stops at Porte St-Lazare on his way to the Isle of Elba; the population force him to flee.
1832 The public fountains pump out drinking water.
1838 Gas lighting is installed.
1854 Felibrige movement is born.
1868 Installation of the sewage system.
1873 Bus network is opened.
11 Nov 1942 Avignon is occupied by the German army.
25 Aug 1944 Avignon is liberated by French and American troops.
1946 Jean Vilar initiates Avignon's role as a cultural center, with the first Theater Festival.
2000 Avignon is elected a European City of Culture.
Opera House
Sightseeing Overview
In Avignon, everything worth seeing is within easy walking distance and orientation is not difficult. The city is enclosed in fortified medieval walls, with the River Rhône to the north and west of the town. The Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet are in the north, connected by the place du Palais, which itself runs into Avignon's central square (place de l' Horloge) just a little south. This square is home to the impressive Hôtel de Ville and the Opera House, decorated with statues of former visitors Corneille and Moliére. From here the main thoroughfare, the rue de la République, turns into the cours Jean Jaurés as it approaches the southern city walls and the railway station. To the east are several shopping streets and a mass of interesting restaurants and cafés.
The best way for visitors to explore Avignon is to wander through its maze of medieval streets. Many take their names from inns (such as rue du Chapeau Rouge) or from trades-such as rue des Fourbisseurs ('weapon sharpeners'), rue du Vieux Sextier ( 'Old Sexton' ) and rue des Teinturiers, named after the dying process inherent in calico printing. For traveling off the beaten path, the rue Joseph-Vernet is a good bet, lined with Avignon's most stylish shops, old hotels and quaint courtyards and gardens. More imposing but still frequented, mainly by the locals, is the cathedral, Notre-Dame des Doms, a brief walk past the Palais des Papes. The cathedral is surrounded by Rocher des Doms, a charming public park offering magnificent views of the city and the Rhône.
Avignon also has a cluster of interesting little museums that are clearly detailed on a free map available at the Avignon Tourist Office. Most notable is the Musée Angladon, 5 rue Laboreur (tel: (04) 9082 2903), which displays the private collection of aesthete Jacques Doucet, including Modigliani's The Pink Blouse and Van Gogh's The Railroad Cars.
Tourist Information {Office de Tourisme d' Avignon}
41 cours Jean Jaurés
Tel: (04) 3274 3274. Fax: (04) 9082 9503.
E-mail: :information@ot-avignon.fr
Website: http://www.ot-avignon.fr
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1700 (Apr-Sep); Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1200 (Oct-Mar).
There is also an information office at Espace St Bénezet, open daily 1000-1900 (Apr-Oct).
Passes
The Avignon Passion card is available free at participating museums, on tourist transport and at Avignon and Villeneuve-lés-Avignon tourist offices. The pass offers cut-price admission (reductions of 20-50%) after the first full-price attraction has been visited and includes all the various sightseeing tours listed in the Tours of the City section. Participating museums and attractions include Musée Calvet, Musée Vouland, Musée du Petit Palais, Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet. The pass is valid for two weeks of unlimited visits for the holder and their family.
Key Attractions:
Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes)
This palace-fortress looms above Avignon. The immense courtyard in front, lined with cafés and restaurants, is also the impressive setting for the Avignon Festival, while the battlements offer wonderful views. The palace was built over 30 years, during the reign of three popes-Bénédict XII, Clément VI and Innocent VI. The palace is based on the fusion of two buildings-the austere 'Old Palace' (1334-42), constructed on the orders of Bénédict XII, and the extravagant Gothic 'New Palace' (1342-52), of Clément VI. It is a frowning mass of elaborate architecture, covering some 15,000 sq meters (166,660 sq feet) and reducing Avignon's other buildings to toy-town proportions.
The exterior is chilling and unfriendly, with a crenellated façade and slit windows. In contrast, the interiors are rich with the frescoes of Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti and Sienese artist Giovanni Luca, survivors of the fire that burned away many paintings and much finery in 1413. It is worth taking the audiocassette that is included in the admission price, to make sense of the maze of rooms within the palace. Among the most beautiful is the Pope's Bedchamber. The walls are awhirl with frescoes of birds and grapevines, while the floor is covered with reproductions of the 14th-century tiles discovered beneath the nearby study of Bénédict XII, in 1963. Religious themes dominate the frescoes in the Chapelle St Martial and Pope's Antechamber, while hunting scenes decorate the Stag Room. The Grand Tinel is where the pope's banquets were held, with the pope seated on a raised platform. Gold plates and ivory cutlery were used to devour mountains of food-detailed inventories record the consumption of 118 cows, 1,023 sheep, 60 pigs, 1,195 geese, 7,428 chickens...a total of 95,000 dishes; and all at one sitting.
A guided tour (in French only) through the 'Secret Palace,' with a chance to see Saint Michel Chapel and rooms that are normally closed to the public, with a convivial supper is available daily from 17:00 from November to May. It is best for visitors to make a trip to the Palais des Papes in the afternoon, when it is cooler and there are fewer tourists.
Place du Palais
Tel: (04) 9027 5000 (reservations). Fax: (04) 9027 5088.
E-mail: monument@palais-des-papes.com
Website: http://www.palais-des-papes.com
Transport: Bus to place de l'Horloge.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900 (Mar-Jun and Oct); daily 0930-1745 (Nov-Feb); daily 0900-2100 (Jul-during the Avignon Festival); daily 0900-2000 (Aug-Sep). \line
Admission: 9.50 Euros; 11.00 Euros (combined Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet ticket); 24.50 Euros (Secret Palace tour, inclusive of meal); 31.50 Euros (Secret Palace tour, Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet combined ticket); concessions available.
Musée du Petit Palais (Little Palace Museum). Located on the northern end of place du Palais, the Little Palace Museum was built for Cardinal Béranger Frédol between 1318 and 1320. Following extensive alterations, Pope Benoît made it his episcopal headquarters. Today, its 19 rooms house an impressive collection of frescoes, sculptures and Italian religious paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries, including works by Botticelli, Carpaccio and Giovanni di Paolo. The Angel of the Annunciation, by Sano Di Pietro (1406-1481), is one of the most beautiful paintings-the golden-haired angel has all the beauty of a pre-Raphaelite woman.
Palais des Archevêques, place du Palais
Tel: (04) 9086 4458. Fax: (04) 9082 1872. \line
Transport: Bus to place de l\rquote Horloge, place du Pie or post office.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 0930-1300 and 1400-1730 (Oct-May); Wed-Mon 1000-1300 and 1400-1800 (Jun-Sep). Admission: 6.00 Euros (concessions available).
Pont St Bénezet (St Bénezet Bridge). 'Sur le pont d'Avignon on y danse, on y danse...' the melody of the 19th-century song still draws visitors to the famed bridge that is formally known as the Pont St Bénezet, after the shepherd whose heavenly vision and determination led to the bridge being built. Spanning the two channels of the River Rhône and the island in between (Ile de la Barthelasse), the bridge was built between 1177 and January 1185. Originally made of wood, it had to be continuously rebuilt, as it was the only crossing, providing a link between the Mediterranean and Lyon, an important trade hub in the Middle Ages. The river finally won the day, washing away the bridge in the mid-1600s. Today, only four of its original 22 arches and the tiny Chapelle St Nicholas remain. This delicate Romanesque chapel, dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of barge men, should not be missed. A small museum, situated beneath the ticket office, offers images of the bridge in former centuries.
Rue Ferruce
Tel: (04) 9027 5116 or 9085 6016. Fax: (04) 9082 7402 or 9082 7402
E-mail: :monument@palais-des-papes.com
Website: http://www.palais-des-papes.com
Transport: Bus to place de l'Horloge or porte de l'Oulle.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900 (Apr-Oct); daily 0930-1730 (Nov-Mar).
Admission: 3.50 Euros (Pont Bénezet only), 11.00 Euros (combined Pont St Bénezet and Palais des Papes ticket); concessions available.
Further Distractions:
Rocher des Doms. Ramps from the Palais des Papes lead up past the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms to the Rocher des Doms, the site of Avignon's earliest settlement. The rocky area was landscaped into a pleasant plateau with an artificial rock garden in the 18th century. Nineteenth-century additions include a lake and the statues of prominent Provençal figures, such as writer Félix Gras and artists Paul Saïn and Paul Vaysan. Terraces were laid out in the 20th century, offering views onto the River Rhône, Pont St Bénézet, Villeneuve-lés-Avignon and the Alpilles.
Rocher des Doms, above place du Palais
Transport: Bus to place de l'Horloge.
Opening hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Free.
Musée Louis Vouland (Louis Vouland Museum) Successful businessman and art collector Louis Vouland (1883-1973) bequeathed his 19th-century mansion to the state. His home was opened as a museum in 1982, offering a quirky collection of 17th and 18th-century decorative arts. Highlights include faïefence (earthenware) from Vincennes and Sèvres, and tapestries woven in Flanders, Aubusson and Gobelins. However, a dainty travel tea set in Sèvres faïefence, which belonged to the Comtesse du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, steals the show.
17 rue Victor Hugo
Tel: (04) 9086 0379. Fax: (04) 9085 1204.
E-mail: musee-vouland@avignon-et-provence.com
Website: http://www.vouland.com
Transport: Bus to rue de la République, post office or porte de l'Oulle.
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1200 and 1400-1800, Sun 1400-1800 (May-Oct); Tues-Sun 1400-1800 (Nov-Apr). Admission: 4.00 Euros (concessions available).
Musée d'Art Contemporain (Contemporary Art Museum). The Collection Lambert en Avignon, housed in the Musée d' Art Contemporain, is a unique ensemble of more than 350 contemporary artworks, which have been loaned by Yvon Lambert to the city of Avignon for 20 years. The collection is a unique testimony of the great art movements of our time: minimal art, conceptual art, land art from the 1960s to 1970s; painting from the 1980s; photography and video from the 1990s. The collection contains a most coherent ensemble of works by leading artists, including Cy Twombly, Sol LeWitt , Donald Judd, Niele Toroni, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Anselm Kiefer, Christian Boltansky, Nan Goldin or Douglas Gordon. Two to three temporary exhibitions are presented each year in conjunction with displays of artworks from the Collection Lambert.
5 rue Violette
Tel: (04) 9016 5620. Fax: (04) 9016 5621.
E-mail: collection.lambert@wanadoo.fr Website: http://www.collectionlambert.com
Transport: Bus to Central Station, then a short walk.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1100-1800 (Sep-Jun); Tues-Sun 1100-1900 (Jul-Aug). Admission: 5.50 Euros (concessions available).
Musee Calvet (Calvet Museum), Housed in a splendid 18th-century mansion, the Musée Calvet displays a varied collection of paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century, ranging from the archaeological to Beaux Arts, from decorative to ethnic art.
16 rue Joseph Vernet
Tel: (04) 9086 3384. Fax: (04) 9014 6245.
E-mail: musee-calvet@wanadoo.fr
Transport: Any bus to the city center.
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10:00-13:00 and 1400-1800.
Admission: 6.00 Euros
Home/ Scotland/ Guatemala/ Avignon, France/ Greece and Italy/ Kentucky, USA/ About the Showcase/ Founder and Director/ The Critics/ Testimonials/ FAQ/ Contact us now/ Montenegro and Serbia/ Photo Gallery/Bookstore
© 2002-2008 Dance-Forms Productions. All rights reserved