Le Reflet Theatre – Live entertainment, mirroring our feelings

Le Reflet Theatre – Live entertainment, mirroring our feelings

Built in 1868 in the very heart of Vevey, the town’s municipal theatre, today rechristened Le Reflet, offers a high-quality yet widely appealing programme of events. Spotlight on a very special venue.

It’s a central location one can enter at any time, or nearly so. A place somewhere between past and future whose glass façade provides a reflection of the city, the lake and ourselves. Nestled in the heart of Vevey, just a few metres from the Place du Marché, Le Reflet has over the years become a key meeting place on the Riviera.

In this cultural setting completely renovated in 1992, the performing arts in all their diversity take pride of place. Dance, opera, contemporary music, comedians, vocal performances, puppets, children’s theatre… On the stage of this spacious nearly 720-seat theatre, live entertainment knows no bounds. Some events are offered every season.

Theatre-Le-Relfet-lionel-meylan-vevey
2015.11.7-8 L’Histoire du Soldat ©Elisabeth Carecchio

For 20 years, Philippe de Bros put his particular stamp on this venue by focusing his programming mainly on theatre and opera. Since taking over the management of the theatre in 2012, Brigitte Romanens-Deville is continuing his work and playing an equally important role in sharing with the Riviera public her taste for theatre which is demanding but open to all, for writing that is daring yet accessible, as well as for perpetually enriching discoveries.

Laughter, tears and a whole range of emotions: Le Reflet sparks and nurtures a wealth of distinct and intermingled feelings.

Le Reflet Théâtre de Vevey
Rue du Théâtre 4
1800 Vevey 1 – 021 925 94 94
www.lereflet.ch

Three questions for Brigitte Romanens-Deville, director

Brigitte Romanens-Deville ©Celine_Michel
©Celine Michel

How would you describe the programming of Le Reflet?

I took over the management of the theatre in 2012 after Philippe de Bros who had been in charge since 1992. So it’s my third season this year and I would say that my approach is a blend of continuity and change. We offer music, opera, dance, shows for young audiences and of course a lot of theatre! This is actually quite exceptional for a place with such a large capacity.

In what way is a programme so strongly focused on theatre rare for a place like this?

I would say that the cultural offer has expanded incredibly to encompass tremendous diversity of genres. People are increasingly seeking entertainment. At Le Reflet, we think there is a certain public that still wants to go to the theatre. We offer classical or contemporary theatre that arouses emotions other than humour. This may take the form of a poetic encounter, the discovery of a beautiful piece of writing, the possibility of projecting oneself into life stories… I love perpetuating this great theatrical tradition for the extremely cultured Riviera audience.

You offer encounters with the public outside of shows. What is this approach about?

It’s crucial. I am convinced that theatre is a creator of links. We offer the option of meeting artists at the theatre bar, and sharing a social moment. This gives a different perspective on shows. We have also for the past three years been offering lunchtime shows. These are in a short hour-long format and take place in the bar. People love these opportunities.