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French Language Theatre Outside Quebec

Though the more important franco-Canadian theatres outside of Quebec are usually seen to be those of New Brunswick/Acadia (ie: Théâtre Populaire d'Acadie ), the National Arts Centre , Théâtre Français de Toronto , Théâtre Français d'Edmonton and Cercle Molière (St. Boniface, Manitoba), there is a wide range of amateur, semi-professional and professional activity across the country.

Much of this activity is related to school activities and the presentation of the works of Molière . However, companies like Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario and Théâtre de la Vieille 17 and Saskatchewan's Troupe du Jour are active in the defense of the language through the creation of new works.

Toward this end, a new space was opened in the national capital in 1999, La Nouvelle Scene, to house many Franco-Ontarian companies (including Vieille 17).

Several great francophone theatre artists are non-Quebeckers, among them Jean-Marc Dalpé , Viola Léger and Antonine Maillet .

In March, 2000, Newfoundland and Labrador launched a new festival, Francophonie Week, aimed at promoting francophone culture in the province. L'Association francophonie de Saint Jean presented the play Copin, copine by Edwidge Herbiet as part of the festival.

In June, 2000, 72 artists representing 13 companies, under the name l'Association des theatres francophones du Canada, met in Edmonton to discuss their mutual concerns.

Gaetan Charlesbois. Additional information provided by Alvina Ruprecht.

Last updated 2010-04-28