Lou Lamparo, Daily Chronicles

In Provence, the “lamparo” referred to a nighttime fishing technique, where fish were attracted by a light fixed at the front of the boat. On a daily basis, these chronicles will enlight some key moments of the program.

By Julie Bordenave, journalist specialized in performing arts, circus, and public space (Zébuline, Théâtres, La Scène…)

Time to take action!

What can we take away from this Marseille edition of Bright Generations? For a whole week, there was a strong sense of having shared the concerns of a vital sector. A sector that often still lacks recognition and financial support, working in the shadows, sometimes on the fringes, daring to take bold, unconventional steps – often as forerunners of trends later adopted by the mainstream. A sector that stays closely attuned to grassroots issues and constantly connected to social realities, planting seeds in the minds of its audiences. The twenty or so young people from the ForesTEEN network – a platform drawing on the metaphor of adolescence as an ecosystem to be nourished and protected – were a living example of this.
Coming from all over Europe – Spain, Serbia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Denmark… – these teens passionately critiqued the shows they saw throughout the week.
The French play Oiseau sparked intense discussion, as it tackled the topic of death head-on. One young spectator shared that a performance like this could have helped her cope with her loneliness a few years ago, when her grandfather died, by filling the silence of the adults around her on the subject. Others praised it as “a show that doesn’t infantilize children.”

In form as well, these international ASSITEJ gatherings radiated the calm strength that fuels its members every day: never getting bored, shifting tones, engaging the body, involving participants… The sector’s creativity echoed through the wide range of daily activities – workshops, conferences, roundtables, kitchen chats, games… So many liberating, joyful, and engaging formats – topped off each evening with festive moments: from dance parties to puppet karaoke and even a giant birthday cake!

To gently undo the excesses of the night before, mornings began with soft warm-ups to loosen joints and stimulate thought. During the day, ideas were shared while strolling through the city. And of course, performances were woven throughout the week, like the dynamic Keep it Safe by the Swedish company React Public Performance, held on the stunning rooftop terrace of La Friche. In this piece, professionals and children were invited to follow – and break – silly rules delivered in real time by game leaders in neon yellow vests!

Because that’s exactly what these international gatherings are about: sharing experiences, exchanging best practices, advancing not only thinking, but also action. Like a big family meal, this essential annual meeting helps maintain connections and realign values in tune with the times. Next meeting: March 18, 2026!