Theatre production - a varied programme of international quality
When it comes to theatre in Luxembourg, one could easily argue that there is something for everyone. Ranging from amateur theatre to prestigious internationally renowned professional drama groups, Luxembourg - despite its small size - boasts an eclectic programme that competes on an even footing with major international centres of performing arts.
Performing arts in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, the audience can enjoy all types of performing arts. Theatre programmes are extremely varied: Plays and music theatre, dance, shows for young audiences, etc. Some establishments are even specialised in a specific genre as you'll find out in their programme. Theatre performances are often accompanied by a framework programme and cultural activities: literary evenings, festivals, music shows, exhibitions, conferences and workshops for adults and children.
The diverse productions consist of top-ranking Luxembourgish productions and international co-productions, as well as performances of foreign groups. It is not unusual to see the biggest names in performing arts headlining major classical productions or contemporary creations: Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart, Richard and Romane Bohringer, Philippe Torreton, John Malkovich, Jude Law... the list goes on and on.
The world of Luxembourgish theatre is also characterised by its multilingualism and multiculturalism. There are plays in many languages: German, French, Luxembourgish and English, but also in other languages.
Venues
Theatres and cultural institutions offering an array of performances can be found all over the country. Regional cultural centres are important for Luxembourgish theatre productions. The large structures in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette feature many foreign plays and international co-productions, while private theatres focus on their own productions and co-productions with independent groups.
Associations and independent groups
At the other end of the spectrum, theatre has a social vocation. It brings together every age group, and is based above all on collective effort. More and more independent companies are being set up in the Grand Duchy, bearing witness to a real interest in the performing arts. Some of them are even moving towards true professionalisation.
In this frame of mind, why not discover, for example, the programmes of Maskénada, a group of artists known for its multidisciplinary in situ productions; Independent Little Lies, a multidisciplinary theatre group bringing together theatre professionals, artists and teachers, or those of one of the varied improvisational theatre groups that are becoming increasingly popular in Luxembourg (Ligue d'improvisation Luxembourg, Pole impro Luxembourg, Fédération luxembourgeoise d'improvisation, etc.).
Cabaret groups write and stage shows every year representing their political, social and satirical assessment of the year. The most famous ones are Nei Revue, the Cabarenert and the Kabaret Sténkdéier.
Aid and support for the theatre sector
The ministry of Culture supports entertainment workers in difficult times.
The Ministry also supports Luxembourg's participation in Avignon's OFF Festival and maintains cross-border cooperation with France's Grand Est Region, within the framework of which Luxembourg is present at La Caserne, a performance venue, with a play during the festival in Avignon.
Since 1st January 2020, a reduced VAT rate of 3% applies to services provided by writers, composers and performers, as well as to the royalties owed to them. You can find more information about this new legal framework in the circular published by the Indirect Tax Authority ('Administration de l'enregistrement, des domaines et de la TVA').
In 2006 and 2018, the theme of the National Literary Competition was reserved to drama. As a result, four plays by Luxembourgish authors were awarded in 2018.
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