SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — French Canadian Theatre

Honourable senators, French theatre and stage director Ariane Mnouchkine of the well-known Théâtre du Soleil said, and I quote:

The theatre is meant to stir the soul, lift the spirit and reflect changes in the world and history.

That is the mission that the oldest French-language professional theatre company in New Brunswick, the Théâtre populaire d’Acadie, accomplishes with professionalism and commitment.

I would like to take advantage of the presence in the gallery of the artistic director and the co-executive director of this flagship cultural institution, to salute the achievements of this theatrical company, which is celebrating its forty-fifth anniversary this year.

With over 130 productions under its belt, including more than 20 for young audiences, the Théâtre populaire d’Acadie, or TPA, does performances across Canada and sometimes even abroad. Whether it is an original creation, a contemporary piece or one from the classic repertoire, the TPA puts on a variety of performances inspired by many artistic trends, while giving top billing to local dramatic compositions.

Deeply rooted in Acadian culture, this company has created works by such important authors as Antonine Maillet, Herménégilde Chiasson and Emma Haché, and has drawn on the history of the Acadian people to bring to the stage some of the most important figures of our history.

Much like the other 14 francophone theatre companies that are members of the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada, or ATFC, the Théâtre populaire d’Acadie is a true cornerstone of francophone culture in Canada’s minority communities.

About 200,000 people a year attend performances put on by francophone theatres that are members of the ATFC, located in official language communities in most Canadian provinces. These theatres offer nearly 1,300 performances a year, half of which are geared toward young audiences, from children to teens.

The ATFC, which also includes 20-or-so additional project-based theatre companies, celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary this year.

This national art services organization has set up the Fondation pour l’avancement du théâtre francophone au Canada, which will donate nearly $60,000 in prizes and scholarships this year to emerging, mid-career and established theatre artists from all across la Francophonie canadienne.

These prizes will be awarded at the National Arts Centre’s Zones Théâtrales.

Honourable colleagues, if the theatre causes us to question things, challenges our beliefs, unsettles us, entertains us and celebrates who we are, is it not fair to say that it is now more vital to our country than ever? That is the invaluable role that these artists and creators play with passion in this remarkable art form in French Canada.

Long live the Théâtre populaire d’Acadie and long live francophone theatre.

Thank you.