Philippe Saire’s recommendations

Twenty-two years ago (in 1986), Philippe Saire founded his own company, and for the last thirteen years (since 1995), the Philippe Saire Company has been housed at Théâtre Sévelin 36, in the now buoyant area which used to be the Sévelin industrial zone. Who would have believed it?

Philippe Saire started out as a teacher. But through a theatre workshop he discovered contemporary dance. It became the passion of a lifetime, leading to tours on four continents and earning him prestigious awards (the Young Creator Prize from the Vaud Foundation for Artistic Promotion and Creation in 1988, the Grand Prize from the same foundation in 1998 and the Swiss Prize for Dance and Choreography in 2004). He is credited with more than forty choreography projects, including Cartographies, a continually renewed initiative combining dance, architecture and video.

“It is this tempestuous, surprising landscape which gave me the idea for Cartographies, an artistic project based on choreographed sketches performed in an urban setting.”

An ideally sized city. Lausanne provides a good balance of anonymity and social possibilities. I really enjoy the topography of Lausanne: southward-facing slopes oriented toward the lake, but also sculpted into valleys by its rivers. The city boasts magnificent views looking out towards Lake Geneva from the precipitous staircases, as well as broad panoramas taking in the rooftops. It is this tempestuous, surprising landscape which gave me the idea for Cartographies, an artistic project based on choreographed sketches performed in an urban setting.

On the look-out To tell the truth, I am not much of a stroller. But I have had to do a lot of walking all over the place to select locations for Cartographies. This is how I discovered, among other things, the remains of Expo 64, the Vallée de la Jeunesse and the boules club “La Boule d’or lausannoise”, hidden on a bend on the Rue de la Vigie. I hope to do a lot more strolling around. I have even bought Pierre Corajoud’s small walking guides, although I admit I haven’t read them yet.

The Saturday market At the moment the only strolling I do is between Riponne and Palud to visit the Saturday market. I love bargain hunting so I never miss the flea market at the Parc de Milan. I’m also already looking forward to the next Lausanne Jardins: it’s a wonderful event.

Le Bourg These are wonderful people who took risks and are very professional. I think they are now partially financing the café-theatre with Bourg-Plage, their summer spot under the west arch of the Bessières Bridge.

Les Alliés A great little restaurant on Rue de la Pontaise with a pretty terrace in the middle of the city. It has a similar atmosphere to the Couronne d’Or, which is also friendly and welcoming.

Le Nil Bleu An Ethiopian restaurant on Place de l’Ours with wonderful staff. The restaurant offers delicious dishes served on thin, crepe-like pancakes. And there is no risk; the food is only spicy upon request.

Le Petit Central Another welcoming spot – but there are so many in Lausanne! It stands out from the crowd thanks to the Portuguese azulejo-based décor reflecting Lausanne in ancient times. This is a convivial meeting place, a central spot not to be missed.