Marchand and Meffre Document Decline of Historic Theaters in Oxford, Valparaíso, Osaka
French photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre spent 16 years (2005–2021) documenting abandoned and repurposed early-20th-century entertainment venues worldwide for their project 'Theaters,' recently shown at KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026. The work captures the gradual decline of theaters, cinemas, and performance halls due to individualization of cultural consumption (television, streaming) and the COVID-19 pandemic. Three case studies highlight different stages: Oxford's historic venue, Valparaíso's Teatro Imperio (photographed in 2023 by Carlos Figueroa Rojas), and an Osaka theater. Community-led preservation efforts are noted.
Key facts
- Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre worked on 'Theaters' from 2005 to 2021.
- The project was exhibited at KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026.
- Teatro Imperio in Valparaíso was photographed in 2023 by Carlos Figueroa Rojas.
- The decline is attributed to television, streaming, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Three cases are in England, Chile, and Japan.
- Venues are described as 'left suspended as hybrid ruins.'
- Community-led preservation efforts are highlighted.
- The project documents early-20th-century entertainment infrastructure.
Entities
Artists
- Yves Marchand
- Romain Meffre
- Carlos Figueroa Rojas
Institutions
- KYOTOGRAPHIE
- ArchDaily
- The Guardian
- Wikimedia Commons
Locations
- Oxford
- England
- Valparaíso
- Chile
- Osaka
- Japan