New promenade show in Namur inspired by city’s bid for European Capital of Culture title

A new theatrical romp around the historic city of Namur takes visitors on a tour of the Walloon capital’s cultural and heritage treasures from 4 June to 4 July.

Une visite si capitale (Such a Capital Visit) is a French-language burlesque and musical comedy, performed each evening at 19.00 and 21.00.

After spectators are equipped with headsets, a cast of lively characters accompany them as they embark on an entertaining stroll around the city’s churches, museums, gardens, cafes and secret places.

Written by local director Bruno Belvaux, the show was inspired by Namur’s bid to become a European Capital of Culture in 2030. “You need drama to create a play, even a comic one, and when Maxime announced Namur’s candidature, I thought there will surely be a moment when the European committee pays a visit to the city,” he explains. “Like all pieces of theatre, I had to find characters who are in opposition and the issue at the centre of their conflict is culture.”

While they argue over whether the city should focus on prestigious cultural projects or more popular ones, the 19 scenes advance with a natural dramatic progression, says Belvaux, who points out that there’s been no glossing over serious problems such as homelessness and begging.

The drama is set against the backdrop of various cultural hotspots. Among the highlgihts are the baroque Saint-Loup church, the Confluence on the banks of the Meuse, L’Enjambée footbridge, the ancient Halle Al’Chair, the deconsecrated church La Nef and the majestic provincial palace overlooking Place Saint-Aubain.

A number of historical and contemporary figures are encountered along the way, from artist Félicien Rops, writer Charles Baudelaire and politician François Bovesse, to actress Cécile De France and even a vocal double of Jacques Brel. 

The alternating cast is comprised of the elite of Namur’s theatrical talent: Nicolas Buysse, Sébastien Hébrant, Vincent Pagé, Pierre Poucet and Stéphanie Coppé, accompanied by musician Elie Belvo. They are joined by drama students from city schools and some surprise guest artists.

While the storyline is designed to introduce visitors to the city’s attributes, it also aims to remind locals about Namur’s illustrious past. “We don’t show sufficient pride in our city,” notes Belvaux.

At the heart of the show is an appeal for culture that is inclusive of everyone in society; its importance in creating an identity, in relating history and developing a creative and critical spirit.

Accompanying the play is a book that includes the text, along with contributions by several Namur personalities and cultural players. They shine a light on emblematic sites in the city, both well-known and sometimes overlooked, while also exploring different aspects of urban life such as economy, heritage, the arts and the environment.

Namur’s former mayor and current Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot prefaces the publication with the following description of the show: “A firework display of enthusiasm, conviction, and erudition.” He concludes with the words: “An ode to mood and senses, which powerfully and appropriately rhymes Namur with Culture. So there's one thing left for me to say to you: enjoy your walk!”

The book Une visite si capitale is published by the nonprofit Les Editions Namuroises and available in bookstores around the city.

Une visite si capitale
4 June to 4 July
Departure point: Le Balthazar restaurant
Rue Saint-Loup 4
Namur

Photos: ©Les Editions Namuroises