The Slate Theater
An incredible place for outdoor culture
A unique place, the Théâtre d'Ardoise was created on the Ile d'Oléron by Jean-Marc Chailloleau, in the very heart of an oyster-farming marsh.
Since 2007, this unusual scene between land and sea welcomes artists from all horizons for convivial evenings of great artistic quality. The theater's main building material is the old slate oyster collector piles, abandoned on the island. The Association TAP, for "Tous Aux Pieux", has given itself the mission to create on the island a new cultural dynamic: the unique place of the slate theater.
More than ever emblem of the history and culture of the Oleronese in its oyster farming universe, welcomes a festival with an eclectic programming, and gives pride of place to local artisans and producers: The festival promotes the wines of the organic winemaker Favre, the bread of the organic baker Grosheny based in Marennes, the salads of the Josière, the canned fish from the Cotinière fisheries, the oysters from the neighboring marsh La Belle d'Oléron, as well as the cream products from the Saint-Pierre market.
The shows
The theater of Slate welcomes artists with varied universes and living shows very diversified: one can come to applaud street theater, comedy shows, reggae concerts, religious choirs, rap, world music or theater plays. Famous artists have performed at the Théâtre d'Ardoise since it opened in 2007: Isabelle Autissier, Julos Beaucarne, François Morel and the Ogres de Barback are just some of the famous artists who have performed there.
For several years now, the months of July and August have been the occasion to discover the rich program of the festival Les Estivases : at least three evenings per week with two shows that follow one another, as well as magnificent opening and closing evenings. The festival is punctuated by other convivial events during the day, such as yoga at sunrise, breakfast in the marshes, or offbeat events such as the "soirée Naze".
Practical information and rates
The Théâtre d'Ardoise is located in Dolus d'Oléron, in the east of the island, less than 15 km from the campsite of Les Sables Vignier. The price of the shows is variable according to the evenings, between 5 euros for the participative evenings and up to 25 euros for the particularly important evenings, during which can for example follow 3 concerts. Most of the time, the price of an evening with two shows is fixed at 20 euros full price and 15 euros reduced price. The site opens at 7pm for a show starting at 8pm. A half-hour break separates the two evening parts. It is possible to eat on the spot, the theater being the showcase of the island's artisanal and organic productions. You can also bring your lunch or picnic basket, as you wish! Also remember to bring something to cover yourself when the temperatures drop at nightfall.
