Bazaar, party, fair, a theatre supermarket, the Festival Off is all that and more.

During the 4 weeks of the festival, the living arts take over the city, theatres flourish in the bosom of the city, sometimes in some improbable locations, and the number of shows offered may seem inordinate to the simple spectator. No prior selection takes place; from inexperienced amateurs to the most famous of actors, all converge on Avignon to present their work. Some take enormous financial risks to gain the recognition of the public and also the promoters coming from all over France who will permit them to carry on with their troupes throughout the year. In this nearly Darwinian struggle to survive, the city is covered in posters and flyers and the troupes roam the streets to promote their show, and thus work to create an inimitable atmosphere.