The work of the Pommeraie
La Pommeraie is an institution dedicated to the reception and support of people with disabilities. Affiliated with the FESAP (Fédération d’Employeurs de Services d’Aide aux Personnes), it found its origins at the La Porte Ouverte institute in Blicquy before becoming autonomous in 1972 in Ellignies-Sainte-Anne.
Initially unique, the structure has gradually decentralised to better individualise projects and promote social integration. Today, about twenty homes are spread over four villages: Ellignies-Sainte-Anne, Quevaucamps, Basècles and Tourpes, welcoming 245 beneficiaries according to their needs and desires.
Residents participate in various activities in more than 30 workshops (craft, artistic, creative, sports), in the Occupational Sector of La Pommeraie. Some beneficiaries even distinguish themselves internationally in artistic fields.
The institution makes it a point of honour to promote social integration through meetings with villagers and a Leisure and Event Service offering various activities. The main objective is to guarantee everyone autonomy, well-being and fulfilment, with individualised and benevolent support.
Collaboration with the Nocturnales and Luc Petit
The objective of collaboration with the Nocturnales is paramount in the eyes of the Pommeraie because it represents integration and inclusion on the one hand and the valorisation of artistic creativity of all kinds: construction, acting, puppet handling, etc. on the other hand.
La Pommeraie is an institution of art and therefore of artists. The institution has the culture of culture… Whether it’s painting, singing or cinema, theatre and therefore, yes, exchanges with Luc Petit make it possible to overcome cleavages, limits.
They offer an extraordinary way to surpass oneself… It may not be unique in Belgium or even in Europe, but the partnership that is presented today goes beyond customs and traditions such as playing in front of an audience not previously acquired. Of course, festivals, exhibitions, shows exist for and with people with disabilities in front of an audience often already acquired. Not to mention the possibility of “playing” on an equal footing with entertainment professionals and being on the same “line”.
The beneficiaries and staff of the Pommeraie are motivated by this kind of challenge. They have the opportunity to show a know-how and a know-how. Disability is not a category or synonym of division but a difference that is a wealth. And that’s all the difference!
A little note from the residents
Behind the scenes of Alice in Wonderland
Eric Lenz - Director of the Pommeraie
Amateur actor since his studies in leisure and tourism, he is moving towards the world of disability. As an educator first, then as a service manager. Passionate about cinema, he makes short films with the beneficiaries of the Pommeraie. Since 2023, he has been collaborating with the Nocturnales in the shows at the Château de Beloeil. Pirate with Peter Pan, Chinese Emperor in the World Tour and White Rabbit in Alice. He takes in his wake the residents and professionals of the Pommeraie who play or build decorations but above all live a beautiful and great human adventure… and artistic!
Eric lives his job with passion just like shows. Running an institution or playing on stage is ultimately very similar. Because the world must remain a great “comedy” and it is necessary, above all, to be able to have fun and give pleasure… By taking things seriously without taking yourself seriously.
Alphonse Allais said: “People who never laugh are not serious people.”
Anaïs Duthie
Anaïs is a stage woman. Theatre, stand-up, no matter the format, as long as there is an audience, it takes the place! She has played in the theatre for many years in various troupes in western Hainaut. His paths also take him to the Stand Up… Her “solar” energy guides her through the different meanders of the entertainment world.
She enthusiastically transmits her passion and energy to the residents of the Pommeraie through the Atelier Théâtre that she has been leading for more than ten years. She offers them a scene where they can express themselves, have fun and vibrate with her. His troupe performs regularly at the Pommeraie but also on a “tour”. Since 2023, she has been taking in her suitcases about thirty residents to the Château de Beloeil park in the footsteps of “Peter Pan”, “Round the World in 80 days” or “Alice in Wonderland”… For Anaïs and “her” actors, theatre is much more than an art, it is a way of living… and sharing!
