Brandhaarden 2026: Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne
For its 2026 edition, Brandhaarden collaborates with the Swiss Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne. The theatre is firmly committed to an art form enriched by contrasts and differences, one that confronts the realities of our time. At the same time, it expands the accessibility of the performing arts by embracing a diversity of artistic languages—theatre, dance, film, music, visual art—as well as varied formats and accompanying tools for engagement and mediation around the works.
Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne
Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne is a leading performing arts venue on the shores of Lake Geneva, housed in a modernist building designed by artist-architect Max Bill. With four auditoriums, a foyer bar, and views of the Alps, it offers a unique setting for artistic creation and exchange.
Under the direction of Vincent Baudriller since 2013, Vidy is known for its focus on contemporary, forward-looking productions. The theatre collaborates closely with international artists and emerging talents, and develops co-productions with institutions across French- and German-speaking Switzerland. Festivals such as Programme Commun highlight Vidy’s role as a driving force of artistic innovation.
-|-
Vidy is not only a theatre, but also a research hub: it is part of an international think tank in Lausanne that explores cultural and societal issues. Art and reflection go hand in hand here, with programming that resonates with current social, scientific, and political themes.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and diversity in artistic forms—from theatre and dance to film and visual art—Vidy is a place where the past inspires and the future takes shape.
Early Bird Discount
🔥 Ticket sales have started, with an early bird discount until December 31: 10% off 2 performances, 15% off 3 or more.
30 & 31 January
The Garden of Delights
In The Garden of Delights, eight travelers find themselves in a rocky landscape. They immediately begin to explore and shape their surroundings, soon discovering that a cracking egg plays a special role. From there, they puzzle over how to reorganize themselves within this mysterious place. It feels as though they have stepped directly into Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights.
1 & 2 February
Wasted Land
In the incisive Wasted Land, Ntando Cele puts Western ideas of sustainability and ecology to the test. The catastrophic consequences of fast fashion are critically examined, as Cele confronts the audience with their own complicity. A story of inequality and hypocrisy, wrapped in a cloak of dark humor.
2 & 3 February
Tapajós
The development of an analogue photograph is a form of alchemy, in which lives magically appear and disappear. In the early days of photography, mercury was used for this process—the chemical element that has polluted the Tapajós River. Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha, an emerging voice in the international theatre world, conducts a profound artistic investigation into the contaminated waters of her homeland Brazil and the women who live along the banks of the Tapajós.
4 & 5 February
Le Lasagne della nonna
How do minority groups balance multiple identities in a new environment? In Le Lasagne della nonna, director Massimo Furlan and dramaturg Claire de Ribaupierre take you on a journey from Italy to Switzerland through the eyes of female immigrants. In doing so, the experiences of queer individuals in our society are interwoven. What does integration do to who we are?
5, 6 & 7 februari
The Summit
In Christoph Marthaler’s new production, six main characters find themselves in an undefined refuge atop a mountain. Each speaking a different language, their uncertainty mirrors that of the outside world. This music theatre piece features singing souls who are lost—and who find exactly what they weren’t looking for. Humor and music do the rest.
Fringe programme
(b)randprogramma
The (b)rand program of Brandhaarden 2026, with a strong focus on sustainability in the broadest sense, invites you to further reflect on the themes explored in the performances. Join one of the introductions and/or post-show talks, browse our Sustainable Surprise Market, or enjoy a delicious local meal at the ITA Brasserie.
14th edition
Brandhaarden Festival
Brandhaarden is an international theatre festival that brings performances from notable foreign theatre makers to Amsterdam. The festival provides a unique overview of a single creator, house, writer, region, or theme. In previous editions, we highlighted directors such as Katie Mitchell, Milo Rau, and the collective Rimini Protokoll, writer Édouard Louis, the Southern European region (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece), and city theatres such as Münchner Kammerspiele, Volksbühne Berlin, and Peter Brooks Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord.