Bell Square Calling highlights outdoor performance artists from a particular country or region.
The first edition of BELL SQUARE CALLING, focuses on artists from France.
Bell Square Calling: France runs from 24 – 27 September 2026 and features a mix of dance, theatre and circus performance, representing the very best of France’s outdoor arts scene. In addition to performing there is an opportunity for the artists to share their ideas as part of post-show Q&A’s and to connect with Bell Square audiences.
Inspired by the creative communities and collaborations that flourish across towns, cities and regions of France, including Montpellier, Marseille, La Rochelle and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bell Square Calling invites audiences to slow down at Bell Square, discover new artists and engage more deeply with outdoor performance. All performances and discussions are free to attend.
The programme for Bell Square Calling: France includes circus, dance and music: bold contemporary dance from Cie Point.Bart with Fièvre; the challenge of creating a locally relevant choreographed work in a day from Sauf le Dimanche with Assemblée; stunning contemporary acrobatics from La Triochka with Top Down; an exciting hybrid of contemporary dance, hip hop, and the visual arts from Cie Xuan Le withReflet and music
Highlights of the programme include:
• Fièvre (Fever) by Cie Point.Bart – an electrifying contemporary dance work inspired by the 1518 dancing plague in Strasbourg.
• Assemblée (Assembly) by Sauf le Dimanche – a unique site-responsive performance created from encounters and observations gathered in Bell Square on the day of the performance.
• Top Down by La Triochka – breath-taking contemporary acrobatics that playfully explore power, hierarchy and human relationships.
• Reflet (Reflection) by Cie Xuan Le – a striking fusion of hip-hop, contemporary dance and roller skating.
• CoraSon by Cie Les Rustines de l’Ange – an exuberant and theatrical accordion performance celebrating collective movement and music.
The festival will also feature post-show Artist Q&As and Bell Square Calling Conversations, offering artists, practitioners and audiences opportunities to exchange ideas and explore the evolving role of outdoor arts.
