Credit: © IMAGO

The city of Esch-sur-Alzette is currently celebrating its first cultural biennial, “Architectures” until 28 September 2024, with the official launching event haven taken place at the weekend.

This Biennale is part of the cultural metamorphosis of the city, under the label “Esch Cultural Capital", thus honouring its title of European Capital of Culture 2022. The Biennale, the result of the joint reflection of institutions in Esch-sur-Alzette, will be supported and coordinated by the non-profit organisation frEsch. This aims to be a space for connection, a breeding ground for artistic innovation and a new tourist attraction for the city and its surroundings.

Despite difficult weather conditions and the cancellation of the show on Friday 17 May 2024, the launch of the 2024 “Architectures” Biennale - Esch Capitale Culturelle, supported by Nuit de la Culture, was a great success on Saturday 18 May 2024, according to the organisers.

The afternoon was marked by various acrobatic circus performances. Spectators could discover eight shows from different companies, including a gravity-defying wheel of death, XXL trampolines, levitating acrobats and ping-pong balls flying from side to side. It was a show for all ages, and attendees could also visit the digital installations as part of the tour offered in town by Elektron, inaugurated the day before.

The highlight of the evening was the show "REESCH E'Vol", a fusion of contemporary art and circus which explored the metamorphosis of Esch-sur-Alzette from an industrial city into a Cultural Capital. With over 30 artists on stage, the show brought together talented international acrobats and promising local dancers, all selected and trained alongside a specially-chosen artistic team.

The original screenplay by Sean McKeown (Cirque du Soleil) was masterfully orchestrated by Crystal Manich and Mukhtar O S Mukhtar, who have already demonstrated their talent at major events, from Cirque du Soleil to the Super Bowl halftime show through the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Co-produced by Violeta Frank (VF ART PROJECTS) and Nuit de la Culture, "REESCH E'Vol" was a magical 50-minute immersion in the culture of Esch-sur-Alzette.

After the show, there was an aftershow planned, namely a live video-mapping show produced by MELTING POL, accompanied by DJ STEVE R.I.O.T. and violinist ALL REITZ RESERVED.

“Despite the unexpected weather hazards, we are delighted with the resounding success of the launch of the ‘Architectures’ Biennale, with more than 5,000 people coming to participate in the experience,” said Loic Clairet, director of frEsch and organiser of the event. “The public enthusiasm and positive feedback we have received is a testament to the power of art and culture to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences.”

The launch weekend ended on Sunday 19 May 2024 with the Open Days of the Conservatoire de Musique d’Esch.

The Biennale will continue until 29 September with a rich and varied programme of exhibitions, shows, parties, etc. More information is available at: https://eschcapitaleculturelle.lu/fr.