Occitan culture and Atlas
And who says Occitan, says troubadours. It is they, through the song of gestures, who have allowed the language to enrich itself, to speak to itself, to transmit itself, in short, to live. And what better setting than Bourdeilles to pay homage to them for a day? On the program, songs and dances in Occitan, of course, but not only that. Every year, the festival gives pride of place to another culture, invited for the occasion. This year, it will be the Atlas. “It is a factor of discovery, tolerance and openness,” underlines the mayor. We work with all audiences: the Bourdeilles school, the Brantôme college, but also the nursing home and the residence for adults with disabilities. »
Artistic director of territorial projects at the departmental cultural agency, Pierre Ouzeau is commissioned by the Department to implement actions around Occitan culture. He wants to emphasize that this meeting is a “festival of Oc and elsewhere. It is supported by the Department, but with the support of the associative world.” An associative environment which is a stakeholder in the festival, since several associations will participate in the shows. The inhabitants of Bourdeilles will even have the chance to see their mayor play in a brass band. On the menu of cultural exchanges, a conference, given by Miquèla Stenta at the Château de Bourdeilles, to open hostilities.
Current topics
“This will revolve around the concept of Paratge,” explains Pierre Ouzeau. It’s something that was invented by the troubadours. That is to say respect for others in all their differences and they raise the question of equality between men and women. It’s something that is always relevant.” Another highlight of the day, just following, the concert “A troubadour in the Orient” where a duo covers troubadour songs with Western sounds.
Note that everything is completely free. At the end of the day, head to the park called “Promenades” for the rest of the concerts which will end around midnight. This year, for the first time, generation paratge, aimed at young people, will be fully associated with the festival. “It will be a strong moment,” underlines Laurence Salles, project manager. It’s very unifying and it will be a moment of conviviality. Students in 4th and 3rd grade who study Occitan will perform their writing work on stage. This is the first year that this will be done in Bourdeilles.”
