The Founding Purpose of the Prix Lueur
On July 17, 2024, AFETEA established the “PRIX LUEUR” (Dawnlinght Award) during the Avignon Theatre Festival. This prestigious award aims to become a significant theatrical arts accolade, leveraging the platform of the Avignon Theatre Festival to celebrate artists with an international perspective, contemporary expression, and innovative concepts. The award will be presented annually, with the selection process typically commencing in early July and culminating in a ceremony just before the conclusion of the festival.
The PRIX LUEUR seeks to acknowledge and promote works that embody the spirit of innovation in theatre, while also advancing the exchange of theatre between Europe and Asia, as well as the integration of diverse cultures. The name “LUEUR” (Dawn) reflects the illuminating power of theatre, symbolizing hope and breakthrough. While “LUEUR” can evoke the image of a faint, distant light, it also signifies the powerful potential of theatre to offer a guiding light to those in adversity. Furthermore, the choice of this name is inspired by the city of Avignon, known as the “City of Theatre,” where the first rays of morning sun in southern France, the shimmering surface of the Rhône River, the golden light atop the Papal Palace, and the “illuminating wisdom” passed down from the former matchstick factory now converted into a renowned theatre all contribute to the symbolism of light and hope.
Award Criteria
- Fostering Eurasian Theatre Exchange: The Prix Lueur serves as a platform to deepen cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between European and Asian theatre artists.
- Promoting Multicultural Integration: The award recognizes theatrical works that merge diverse cultural elements, highlighting diversity and inclusivity in artistic expression.
- Advocating for Cross-Disciplinary Physical Expression: The Prix Lueur champions theatre that transcends traditional boundaries, emphasizing innovative uses of the body and cross-disciplinary creative techniques in performance.
With these criteria, the Prix Lueur not only celebrates innovation and artistic excellence but also provides a dynamic stage for global theatrical exchange, encouraging cooperation and mutual inspiration among theatre artists worldwide.