What is driving the growth of English-language theatre in Luxembourg, and will it continue in 2023?

Since 2007, independent theatre director Anne Simon has observed the growing trend in English-theatre production, and she says the opportunity that Luxembourg has is that theatre makers come from different backgrounds and “it gives us the [chance] to mix styles, [given] the crossroads of cultures.”

She hopes that, in 2023, international audiences will remain open to this mix of styles, forms and backgrounds, which she says is already happening gradually, but also advises that theatre makers need to strike the right balance between the various theatre forms.

In her opinion, the strength of English contemporary works, in comparison to French or German theatre, for example, stems from continuous support for new playwrights, including emerging to mid-career artists.

She adds that, while immersive forms of theatre are gaining traction in Luxembourg, she hopes to see much more in 2023 but cautions theatre makers that “if [they] introduce those forms, [they] also have to guide and give people the tools to be able to use them.” Simon is currently working on immersive theatre projects for 2023, and she sees “an opportunity there.”

She explains that immersive theatre increases audience engagement and encourages people to rediscover their inner child.