Les Débhordeurs, a clown choir at La Manufacture
In 25 days
“Les Débhordeurs” is a show by the Brounïak company, staged at the Théâtre de la Manufacture in Nancy, that brings a clown choir to life on stage, breaking with an art that long remained solitary. With its “La Débhorde” project, the company gathers several clowns searching together for a common language, where relationship and group dynamics become the very substance of the show. A curious, joyful piece to discover during a stay in Nancy.
A clown choir, an idea against the grain
Clowning is most often a solo art: one performer, alone before the audience and their own missteps. The Brounïak company, with its "La Débhorde" project, turns that on its head: what if clowning arose from the group rather than the individual? "Les Débhordeurs" explores that idea by gathering several clowns who search, together, for a shared language. Relationship, the exchanged glance and group dynamics become the very material of the piece. A curious, joyful proposition to discover at the Théâtre de la Manufacture, quietly shifting the boundaries of the form.
A three-year research laboratory
"Les Débhordeurs" is not a fixed show but an open work in progress. Launched in the 2025-2026 season, the project is part of a three-year laboratory: the artists return regularly to the stage to test their discoveries, move forward, fail, start again. Audiences are invited to become witnesses to that process, to watch clowning research take shape step by step. This evolving form gives each date its own flavour, that of living work. For the exact performance dates, check the theatre's official website.
The Théâtre de la Manufacture, a CDN in the heart of Nancy
Set on rue Baron Louis, the Théâtre de la Manufacture is the national drama centre (CDN) of Nancy and its region. A house of creation, it supports companies over time and champions a demanding, open theatre where research has its place — which is why a project like "Les Débhordeurs" naturally finds a home here. The venue lies a few minutes from the historic centre and Place Stanislas, so an evening at the theatre fits easily into a weekend discovering Nancy.
Attending during your stay
Performances run from winter to spring, leaving room to plan your visit around your time in Nancy. Booking is online and it is wise to plan ahead, as the capacity for such a format stays intimate. For exact times, prices and the full list of dates, refer to the box office and the theatre's official website rather than to approximate information. From a city-centre flat, you can reach the theatre on foot or by tram in a few minutes, before or after dinner in the old town of Nancy.
Practical information
Address: 10 rue Baron Louis, Théâtre de la Manufacture, 54000 Nancy
Frequently asked questions
What is "Les Débhordeurs" about?
It is a project by the Brounïak company inventing a clown choir: several performers explore collective clowning together, where the clown's art is usually solitary. Audiences watch research in the making rather than a finished show.
Where and when does it take place?
At the Théâtre de la Manufacture, 10 rue Baron Louis in Nancy, in performances spread from winter to spring. Exact dates and times are on the theatre's official website and at the box office.
How do I book a seat?
Booking is online, through the theatre's box office. As capacity is limited, it is best to book ahead. Check the official website for up-to-date prices.
Is it suitable for a non-French-speaking audience?
Clowning relies heavily on the body, rhythm and the gaze, which makes this kind of show fairly accessible even without French. If unsure how much spoken text there is, ask the theatre before booking.
Pexels — Wendy Wei · Pexels — george charry
