Philippe Quesne

Philippe Quesne (b. 1970) used to collect and observe insects as a child. But he didn't become an entomologist. Instead, he made use of his studies in the visual arts, first as a set designer for theatre and opera, but also for art exhibitions, and then as a director and set designer with the Vivarium Studio (which means "the aquarium" or "glass menagerie"), the company he founded.

Since 2014, he has been artistic co-director of the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandier, a centre dramatique national.

In addition to performances intended for the theatrical stage, Quesne also creates site-specific performances and artistic interventions in public space and natural landscapes. For example, “Des Expériences” was performed in forests and lakes, as well as rubbish dumps and art galleries!

Philippe Quesne tours internationally, performing “La Démangeaison des ailes” (2003), “Des expériences” (2004), “D'après nature” (2006), “L'Effet de Serge” (2007), “La Mélancolie des Dragons” (2008), “Big Bang” (2010), “Swamp Club” (2013), “Next Day” (2014), “Caspar Western Friedrich” (2016), and “Welcome to Caveland!” (2016) from Avignon, Vienna, Berlin and Brussels to New York, Seattle, Brazil, Mexico and Hong Kong, winning honours along the way (including an Obie Award in 2008).