Step into the heart of France without leaving Edinburgh! “Vive le Fringe!” will come back from 7 to 29 of August 2026 at the Institut français d’Écosse with an electrifying lineup of artists and companies from France, bringing fresh perspectives, captivating performances, and a whole lot of joie de vivre.
Created for children from 5 years old, bilingual show Don’t Wait for Me… by the Cie La Neige sur les Cils is a tender and poetic quest to rediscover what home truly means. In a world where houses grow legs, wings or sails, and travel at night, one morning a house disappears – leaving its child behind. Through delicate glove puppetry and gently animated images, this unique performance unfolds as a dreamlike journey about loss, hope and belonging. After an award-winning tour around France, Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and South Korea, the show will have its UK premiere as part of Vive le Fringe!
After his first dance solo Ma part d’ombre, created in 2022 and presented at the Théâtre National de la Danse Chaillot in Paris, dancer and choreographer Sofiane Chalal from the Compagnie CHAABANE brings BIGGER to the Fringe. The title suggests fully claiming one’s place and occupying space without apology. Sofiane Chalal explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and visibility through a powerful physical presence. Blending hip hop and mime, the solo examines the body as both ally and adversary, and the tension between self-perception and the gaze of others. Sensitive and deeply personal, the work transforms dance into an act of resistance and freedom. Executive production by Manège Maubeuge – scène nationale transfrontalière.
Finally, the festival will welcome °Up: Violin vs Football by choreographer Fouad Boussouf, director of Le Phare Centre chorégraphique national du Havre Normandie, an unexpected duet bringing together a freestyle football prodigy and a violinist. Blending ball mastery with live music, °Up: Violin vs Football transforms the stage into a playful and poetic space. At its core is the story of an encounter: a solo that evolved into a duo through the performers’ natural connection on stage. Gabriel Majou plays his violin with the same sense of play and virtuosity that Paul Molina brings to his ball. After a successful tour in France, including at the Théâtre National de la Danse Chaillot in Paris, and around Morrocco, the show will have its UK premiere as part of Vive Le Fringe! – France Showcase.
Vive Le Fringe – France Showcase is supported by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Institut français as part of the Cultural and Creative Industries’ international export strategy.
SHOW LISTINGS:
Don’t Wait For Me… – France Showcase | 7-23 August | 11.00 | 40min | £10/£8
Bigger – France Showcase | 7-29 August| 15.00 | 50min: 35min show followed by 15min conversation with the artist | £10/£8
°Up: Violin vs Football – France Showcase | 18-27 August | 18.00 | 40min | £12/£10
Venue: Institut français d’Écosse, W Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RN
Contact
- Julia Bregeron, Communications Coordinator
julia.bregeron@institut-francais.org.uk / 013 1285 6029