Compagnie de l'Arène

A theatrical workshop for teenagers in the country will see the creation of several shows written for them by Daniel Esteve, after a school year of workshops weekends, lectures at the library and week of intensive rehearsals before the performance in the week following the Festival « Les Nuits d’été de Villebois » Château de Villebois-Lavalette. An adult amateur choir is born and will alternate concerts and interventions of some of its members in company shows.

In Royan, the company intervenes in Lycée (drama class) and creates an original show in residence at the Lycée Technique de l'Atlantique supported by the Region Aquitaine. It responds to orders, especially at the Musée de Royan to illustrate exhibitions. Several co-productions with the City's Culture department will lead to shows that will take place in the hall and in alternative places (Fronton du Parc, churches, parvis de Notre Dame de Royan...).
The highlight of this collaboration will arrived in 2011, when Daniel Esteve receives an order for writing and performing for the 400th anniversary celebrations of the Cordouan Lighthouse, a jewel of the estuary called Le Phare des Rois. For this show, the company collaborates with local choirs and orchestras on a work that will last throughout the school year. The show was opened on the 4th of June 2011 and awarded to its author a prize awarded by the Académie de Saintonge.
Throughout its residence in Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine, the company regularly participates in festivals organized by departments and Region and creates shows specifically intended for heritage places.
In 2025, after a few years of COVID break, the company moved to Arles to resume its training and performance activities.