The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville has officially unveiled La Tournée Festive, a free outdoor theatre event designed to celebrate the region’s rich heritage and strengthen civic pride. Developed in collaboration with the Petit Théâtre du Nord and backed by all seven municipalities of the MRC, the production will tour local communities on the weekends of September 6–7 and 13–14.
Blending historical storytelling with community engagement, the project seeks not only to entertain but also to reinforce the shared identity and civic belonging of residents across the region.
Theatre as a Tool for Community Connection
At the heart of La Tournée Festive is a 45-minute participatory theatre experience built around stories and songs inspired by the region’s past. Audiences are invited to interact with the performers, fostering dialogue between generations and reinforcing the social fabric of each municipality.
“This project goes beyond artistic creation—it is an investment in civic awareness and collective memory,” said Éric Westram, Prefect of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère. “By reconnecting residents with their local history, we strengthen their connection to place and to each other.”
The production is supported through Quebec’s Ententes de développement culturel, and was made possible through funding from both the provincial government and the MRC. Minister of Culture and Communications Mathieu Lacombe praised the initiative as a vibrant example of how culture can deepen a community’s sense of pride and cohesion.
A Regional Effort with Cultural Reach
The project reflects a rare level of coordination among the seven municipalities of the MRC, and is the product of joint efforts by the MRC’s Table action culture et patrimoine. The Petit Théâtre du Nord, a well-regarded company with more than 25 years of experience, was tasked with bringing the idea to life. Known for its ability to animate historical themes in accessible ways, the theatre company brings a human, community-first approach to the performances.
“Our goal is to create theatre that lives in the hearts of our communities,” said Mélanie St-Laurent, Executive Director of Petit Théâtre du Nord. “With La Tournée Festive, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building bridges between people and their heritage.”
Strengthening Civic Belonging Through Art
Beyond its artistic merits, La Tournée Festive is a powerful civic gesture, using cultural expression to engage residents in the region’s democratic and social evolution. As citizens come together to hear stories about the formation and transformation of their communities, the performances become a mirror—both reflecting and shaping a shared sense of who they are.
Christine Beaudette, Chair of the Table action culture et patrimoine and Mayor of Boisbriand, emphasized this point. “By revisiting our past through theatre, we’re helping citizens rediscover their place in the civic story of Thérèse-De Blainville. This is culture with a purpose—strengthening our democratic community.”
Culture for Everyone
The event also democratizes access to high-quality theatre, taking professional performances directly into public spaces and eliminating financial and logistical barriers. Whether residents are long-time locals or new arrivals, the performances offer an invitation to belong, participate, and take pride in a shared cultural journey.
La Tournée Festive will be part of the MRC’s summer cultural calendar under the banner One Day, One Town, One Show!. Detailed information on performance locations and schedules can be found in the official summer programming brochure distributed by the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville.
Through its inclusive spirit, historical lens, and community reach, La Tournée Festive stands as a model of how culture can nurture civic identity—one story, one audience, and one town at a time.
