An unusual open-air theatre festival in a property where Queen Victoria lived in Hyères

But what wonderful property is hidden behind the high walls and entrance gate of number 49 Montée de Costebelle in Hyères?

Who hasn't dreamed of discovering the hidden side of Villa Magdala, nestled in the heart of a wooded park, not far from Hyères train station?

Throughout its history, this former holiday resort for English aristocrats, whose most frequent guest was Queen Victoria when she visited Hyères in March 1892, has retained all of its authenticity.

Marie Magdeleine Lessana opens the doors to the public

But why have a treasure preciously preserved and guard it jealously? For Marie Magdeleine Lessana, the owner of the place, it was necessary to share the beauty of the place, its history, and open the doors to the public.

A psychoanalyst and writer, the lady of Villa Magdala has been the heart of this extraordinary site since 2022, welcoming numerous artists for exceptional moments.

A new chapter is being written with the creation of the Villa's first open-air festival, featuring three dates and three astonishing shows to transport spectators on a daring journey to discover a remarkable site.

Honoring Hyères artists this Saturday, May 3

Cross the walls from this Saturday, May 3, 2025 (at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m.) with "I dreamed of it," directed by Sylvie Rémy, well known to the people of Hyères for having directed the association Les Petits Bonhommes.

It all begins when a storyteller, on a path, clings to a century-old tree. There she discovers extraordinary characters, led by theater, dance, sculpture...

Characters played by eight young people from Hyères and Var, each developing their artistic expression in their own way. " I'm tired of not always giving pride of place to beautiful, talented people who are, in addition to the city," comments Sylvie Rémy.

What can we expect? To be surprised, to be carried away on a stroll through the grounds of the Villa Magdala. " It will be a journey that comes alive with the audience's footsteps in the garden, " explains Hugo Théry, one of the performers of this unique work.

Isabelle Lafon and Norah Krief performing on May 9 and 10, 2025

On Friday, May 9, at 8 p.m., Two Light Bulbs Out of Five is presented by Isabelle Lafon. Viewers are transported back to November 21, 1938. Lydia Chukovskaya, a woman of letters, is going to see for the first time the great Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, whose poems she knows by heart.

Despite everything opposing them, they remained in each other's company for 25 stubborn years - Anna Akhmatova was banned from publishing, her son was in the camps, and Lydia Chukovskaya's husband was arrested. Anna humorously said that at home, "two out of five light bulbs" always worked.

The performance is lit by torches held by both the audience and the two protagonists. A slice of life and history that resonates with Ukraine today.

Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m., Al Atlal, song for my mother , performed by Norah Krief. The actress addresses her late mother in a concert-performance accompanied by three musicians. She brings her family's Tunisian roots to life. On the ruins of a love that echoes the feelings of exile, she makes her own the song Al Atlal by Oum Kalthoum, inspired by the poem by Ibrahim Nagi.

She who suffered from the gaze of others, she shares this heritage that she tried to erase to be more in line with society.

Step outside the walls this Saturday, May 3rd, to discover what you never thought you'd see...

Information. Shows take place at 49 Montée de Costebelle. Parking is available at the green gate. Snacks are available on site. Passes for all 3 shows are available for €50 (subject to membership). More information by email at [email protected]. Tel. 09.73.57.94.52