Rencontre Théâtre Ados celebrates 30 years with festival in Laval this April
The Rencontre Théâtre Ados (RTA) will celebrate its 30th edition from April 13 to 25 in Laval, bringing together thousands of young people for a festival dedicated to theatre created for and with adolescents.
Organizers describe the event as unique in Canada for its focus on youth theatre and its mission of connecting culture and education.
Opening performance inspired by a technological pioneer
The festival will open with the premiere of Projet Thérémine, a new production created by Simon-Pierre Lambert from the company Les Fabulateurs.
The play is inspired by the life of Leon Theremin, a pioneer of electronic music technology whose mysterious disappearance in 1938 continues to intrigue historians.
The opening also carries symbolic meaning, as Lambert first appeared on the festival’s stage nearly 30 years ago as a young participant.
Selected shows open to the public
While the festival primarily targets youth audiences, three productions will also be presented to the general public through a special evening program called “Sors ton ado.”
The initiative encourages intergenerational discussion by offering a discount on a second ticket purchased.
The three productions included in this series are:
- Projet Thérémine – Les Fabulateurs
- Bénévolat – Tableau Noir
- Béluga – Théâtre DuBunker
A program addressing issues affecting youth
This year’s edition will feature 12 theatrical productions, alongside professional discussions and workshops focused on the relationship between culture and education.
The professional program will explore the theme “Limits,” examining questions such as what can be presented to teenage audiences and how theatre can address complex topics with authenticity.
The festival will also include amateur programming where teenagers themselves take the stage through activities such as Extrêm’Ados and the LIRTA improvisation program.
Theatre created for young audiences
The program includes productions by several theatre companies and artists, including:
- Méthadone – Bertrand / Théâtre Astronaute
- Printemps Marmelade – Sursault
- Angle mort – Stéphanie Morin-Robert
- Attention coup de feu – Youtheatre
- Le Sanctuaire des âmes ordinaires – Motus
- Retour à Laval – Théâtre Fêlé
- En théories – DynamO Théâtre
- Mon père se prend pour Fellini – Théâtre Le Clou
- Résistances – Théâtre Advienne que pourra
A festival dedicated to youth theatre
Founded in 1996 by Sylvie Lessard, Pierre-Yves Bernard, Sarto Gendron and François Hurtubise, the Rencontre Théâtre Ados aims to promote theatre for teenagers while strengthening connections between schools, professional artists and cultural institutions.
Over three decades, Rencontre Théâtre Ados has developed into an important platform for youth theatre creation and emerging talent in Quebec.
