Agen Celebrates Occitan Heritage with Theatrical Tribute to Jacques Boé

The city of Agen will host a cultural tribute to the poet Jacques Boé, known as Jasmin, on June 30 at the Théâtre Ducourneau. The evening features an outdoor musical performance by the group Bassacada followed by a stage production of Les Papillotes, a play written by Rosemonde Gérard, the wife of Edmond Rostand.

Musical Prelude: The Bassacada Ensemble

The evening’s festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. on the theater forecourt with a free performance by Bassacada. Hailing from the Tarn-et-Garonne region, the five-member ensemble specializes in Occitan musical traditions. The ensemble’s work integrates traditional instruments—including violins, rustic oboes, fifes, and hurdy-gurdies—with modern elements like the diatonic accordion, guitar, and percussion. The ensemble has toured as far as Denmark to promote the culture of our terroir.

Theatrical Revival: Les Papillotes at Théâtre Ducourneau

Following the outdoor music, the main event takes place inside the Théâtre Ducourneau. The program features Les Papillotes, a play written by the poet Rosemonde Gérard (1871–1953). The production highlights a historical connection between the author and the city; Gérard previously hosted a literary conference at the same venue in 1924.

The play is a charming romantic (or comedic) comedy that takes place at the Gravier and relates episodes of the life of the poet Jacques Boé, who died in 1864. The production, involving the Cassipontin troupe Les Comédiens du Chêne, features 11 actors performing in period costumes. The staging incorporates choreography, songs, and set designs as imagined by Rosemonde Gérard herself.

Event Logistics and Attendance

Viviane Da Silva, director of the troupe Les Comédiens du Chêne, and Christian Moulié, initiator and producer of the evening, report significant interest from across the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions, with some ticket inquiries originating from Paris. While the organizers hope that the Théâtre Ducourneau will be sold out, they confirmed that a limited number of tickets remain available for local residents.

For those interested in attending, tickets and additional information can be secured by contacting the production office at 06 86 92 25 16.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: June 30
• Venue: Théâtre Ducourneau, Agen
• Outdoor Performance: Bassacada (Free, 7:00 p.m.)
• Main Stage: Les Papillotes, performed by Les Comédiens du Chêne
• Contact: 06 86 92 25 16