Saintes: the Coyote Minute company is preparing for the third edition of the Viva Saintes festival

From Thursday, August 14 to Saturday, August 16, the Coyote Minute company will be roaming the streets of Saintes for the third edition of the Viva Saintes festival. Between street performances and historical reenactments, the ten actors are preparing to convey the city's Gallo-Roman past, always with humor.

At the Salle des Jacobins, actors and volunteers from the Coyote Minute company are speeding up the installation of Kiabix 2.0, a few days before the Viva Saintes festival, which takes place from Thursday, August 14 to Saturday, August 16. In the pop-up store, more than 200 costumes, custom-made by the company, will be made available in this old-world setting. "The idea is for people to come and dress up as Romans," jokes Bruno Soulet, actor and director of the company. Seven volunteers will run the concept store for the three-day festival.

From Thursday, August 14 to Saturday, August 16, the third edition of Viva Saintes highlights the heyday of "Mediolanum Santonum" at the end of the ^1st century AD, in the heart of the Gallo-Roman world. The Coyote Minute company has been participating in the festival for three years with the same objective: "The idea is to tell the story of Saintes, formerly called Mediolanum, with our vision." Six months of work were necessary for the company to be ready to entertain the crowds. Three days before the start of the event, three technicians renovated pillars with ancient architecture, elements of the decor of their shows.

During the festival, ten actors will liven up the city's streets during various events. Street performance, being the essence of the company, will be on the festival's program. The Birth of Rome with Romus and Romulus will be performed Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the public garden. "The show is meant to be interactive; the audience works, playing roles," says Bruno Soulet, amused.

Another moment of sharing is the fashion show organized Sunday at 4 p.m. on the forecourt of the media library, where spectators are invited to participate. "With the city's heritage department, we have the historical material to share with the public. We add our touch of humor so they remember it," explains Bruno Soulet. This is notably the concept of the mock guided tours organized by the company, several times, every day of the event.

Aside from these concepts, which require writing and preparation, the public speaking competition is another event eagerly awaited by the eight actors who will participate. Held Friday at 4 p.m. on the forecourt of the media library, it will be a way to pay homage to the city's Gallo-Roman past. "Whether for the Gauls or the Romans, orality was important. You had to know how to speak and argue to convince."

Every day, the company invites visitors to complete the 12 labors of Mediolanum. "To become an honorary citizen of the city, you must complete twelve challenges at the various Viva Saintes sites. The idea is to see the entire event and the other participants." The Saintes Gladiator School and the Legion VI Ferrata will be present for this third edition. The full program of the Viva Saintes festival can be found on the city's website.