The origins of the project: Interstices (2022–2026) ‘Interstices’ is a multidisciplinary artistic process that combines theatrical practices, site-specific implementation in a non-dedicated space, and theoretical and empirical research. Launched in 2022, it continues to this day and enables the artistic direction to develop and test a working method drawing on these diverse contributions. Its various stages have been supported by Migros Culture Percentage (‘Double’ mentoring and coaching platform, followed by ‘Ideation’), by the town of Yverdon-les-Bains, the Ernst Göhner Foundation, and on two occasions by the umbrella organisation Action Culture, with the support of the Leenaards Foundation (‘Local Solidarity’ and then ‘Media and Democracy’). A board game… To begin with, we wanted to adapt the board game “Tiers-Mondopoly” for the stage; a game in which, as we move from square to square, we take on the role of a farmer from a “Southern country” beset by economic crises and adverse weather conditions. Just like in the game, our creative process undergoes changes, shaped by encounters, readings, reflections and the unexpected – ultimately, these changes take shape within a dialectic that must be (re)understood anew each time. Indirectly, “Interstices” has contributed to the creation of “Le point de bascule”, a space for creation, training and performance: a “safe haven” where we meet part of the artistic team and forge lasting relationships. Other encounters take place as we travel. A multidisciplinary team with diverse backgrounds
 Today, the team—comprising individuals with complementary practices and skills—hails from several continents (Latin America, Africa and Europe). These influences lead us to the realisation that it is, above all, a matter of ‘making room’ for individuality, of offering hospitality in a world that is drifting and leaving us to our own devices (Josep Rafanell i Orra). This understanding shapes the way we conceive our future dramaturgical framework, which will draw on the personal research undertaken over several years by most of the team members. Ways of understanding the world A first journey to Mexico (Jean-François Meuwly’s country of origin) invites us to consider violence and the treatment of bodies: their reification – which can take different forms depending on where in the world one comes from. We then travel to Burkina Faso (Mamadou Soma’s country of origin) and to the Les Récréâtrales Festival: the community-building at work there reinforces our belief in a creative process built on worlds to be shared, centred on a carefully crafted framework. It reveals to us the mediations required for such a project. Sports 5 Our encounter with the Sports 5 area and this former brownfield site undergoing transformation – indeed, in the process of being reclaimed by the community in a democratic manner – simultaneously fuels a critical reflection on the place of art and the role of the artist in society. How does ‘building whilst living’ (Patrick Bouchain) influence a creative work? Can it be represented? Should it be? Why is it important today, at this moment in time? After some hesitation, this encounter also puts an end to any prospect of a tour for ‘Vous participez à une grande époque’: the piece is made by and for the venue, and will return there at regular intervals. Relationships are forged with the other organisations on site (a semi-professional kitchen, construction and repair workshops, a medical service, and other professionals from the performing arts and music sectors). They make the project possible through mutual support, lending, the reuse of materials available on site, and the sharing of knowledge. A technical coordinator for the entire Sports 5 site has emerged and is now part of our team. He is an experienced builder specialising in upcycling and the founder of the Y-Fablab on the site. Following our request, the Le Castrum Festival has offered us bespoke support for the creation phase and the first public performances in September 2027.