The Moulin de l’Hydre Festival: A Rural French Utopia for Theater

In an era increasingly dominated by centralized cultural institutions, a growing number of artistic initiatives are choosing to root themselves in the territory and engage directly with local communities. The Moulin de l’Hydre Festival, created by Simon Falguières and his company Le K in the Normandy countryside, exemplifies this trend, offering a unique blend of theatrical innovation and rural revitalization.

A Theater Built by Hand

Located in Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont, Orne, the festival takes place at the Moulin de l’Hydre, a 19th-century mill undergoing extensive renovation by Falguières and his team. Since 2021, Compagnie Le K has been transforming the former filature and factory of spare parts into a “fabrique de théâtre,” a workshop and performance space for all aspects of the performing arts . The renovation, supported by numerous volunteers, is expected to be completed by 2028 .

The Festival’s Evolution

The festival began in 2024, growing from a three-day event in September 2024 to a fourth edition in September 2025 . The 2024 festival saw the birth of Falguières’ itinerant creation, “Molière et ses masques,” conceived “under the rain and decent stars” . The 2025 edition continued this momentum, offering a diverse program of performances, concerts, and community events.

Simon Falguières and Compagnie Le K

Simon Falguières, the driving force behind the Moulin de l’Hydre, has a long history of creating theatrical experiences that bridge art and life. His function often explores themes of community, collective adventure, and the power of art to confront difficult realities. Falguières’ previous projects include “Le Nid de cendres” (2018), featuring a traveling theater troupe, and “Le Journal d’un autre,” a seven-episode autobiographical theatrical journal . He also pays homage to his father, Jacques Falguières, former director of the Théâtre d’Évreux .

A Model for Decentralized Theater

The Moulin de l’Hydre represents a deliberate effort to reimagine theatrical decentralization. By establishing a permanent artistic base outside of traditional urban centers, Falguières and Le K are creating an alternative to conventional theatrical structures. This approach fosters a close connection with the local community and provides a space for artistic experimentation and collaboration.