Aubusson’s Jean-Lurçat Theater Faces Closure Amid Funding Dispute

The Scène nationale Jean-Lurçat in Aubusson, Creuse, France, is at risk of closure due to a dispute over funding for essential repairs. The theater, a symbol of cultural decentralization since its inauguration in 1981, is suffering from significant water damage and a lack of financial support from the local department for necessary renovations.

A Theater in Disrepair

The Jean-Lurçat Theater is plagued by persistent water infiltration, requiring the placement of numerous buckets, basins and containers throughout the building to collect leaking water. The situation has prompted concern among cultural professionals, who view the theater as a vital part of France’s cultural landscape. The building’s initial construction in the 1980s was reportedly flawed, with issues arising due to the bankruptcy of the original contractor, and the last major waterproofing work was conducted in 1996.

National Support and Local Impasse

On March 4, 2026, approximately 150 professionals from national stages, drama centers, and choreographic centers gathered in Aubusson to demonstrate their support for the theater. This show of solidarity underscores the importance of the Jean-Lurçat Theater as a model of cultural decentralization. Though, the Creuse department has refused to fund its share of the necessary repair work, creating an impasse that threatens the theater’s future. The theater’s lease, held with the Department, is likewise uncertain beyond July 5, 2026.

A Legacy of Cultural Access

Inaugurated by François Mitterrand and Jack Lang, the Jean-Lurçat Theater was intended to embody a commitment to making culture accessible to all. Despite being the smallest national stage in France, it continues to play a significant role in the performing arts, employing 10 permanent staff, 15 intermittent workers, and hosting numerous artists annually.

Upcoming Performances

Despite the uncertainty, the theater continues to schedule performances. Upcoming events include:

• March 10: Danse Macabre by Vlad Troitskyi & the Dakh Daughters
• March 21: Maldonne
• March 25: Le petit bois des larmes
• March 29-30: La fabuleuse histoire de BasarKus
• April 2: Splendeurs et misères

A full program is available on the Scène nationale d’Aubusson website.

Community Efforts

A collective of users has been created to support the theater, with contact at sauvonsleccajlaubusson@gmail.com.

Sources:
Scène nationale d’Aubusson, théâtre Jean Lurçat, Le Monde, France Bleu, France3-Regions