Every evening, the Coulée Verte transforms into an open-air stage with the “Contes d’Apéro”. An hour of living literature without any artifice. 

Here, there’s no need for a red curtain or spotlights. Just a stage and a few chairs for the audience. Every evening at 7 PM, the kiosk of the Théâtre National de Nice on the Coulée Verte becomes a literary stage. One evening, one century: that’s the theme set for this summer. From the 16th to the 21st century, the texts span all genres: theatre, poetry, novels, philosophy…  and to accompany it all: a non-alcoholic aperitif offered to everyone.

The opening phrase: “It is better to do than to say” and the evening begins. No set, no costumes, just the voice. Victor Hugo, Alfred de Musset, Flaubert… Lucrèce Borgia, On ne badine pas avec l’amour, Correspondence. Each reading lasts about ten minutes and flows seamlessly.

“They are very good actors, they manage to bring the texts to life. It’s a real living reading”, says Didier, visiting from Marseille. A theater enthusiast, he is discovering the Contes d’Apéro for the first time. However, he observes one detail: “It’s a shame there are only gray hairs. Not a young person in the audience.” Sitting next to him, Nicole his aunt, adds “I am a regular. This is my second time this year. It’s friendly and original. I love coming here.”

Ending with poetry and song

After a poetic interlude with Rimbaud, Baudelaire and Victor Hugo, the evening ends with a song. Everyone hums Le Temps des cerises by Yves Montand, in a wonderful collective energy. And to close the evening, a little literary quiz on themes of clever quips. Who will find the author of these fine words?

The Contes d’Apéro continue until August 3rd every evening of the week at 7 PM. Each evening, a new century, a new atmosphere but always under the open sky and with heart.

Source: The Aperitif Tales: When Words Take to the Air – Nice Premium EN