Cet été qui chantait: A work inspired by the book by Gabrielle Roy presented at La Troupe du Jour

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, March 26, 2026 – La Troupe du Jour presents Cet été qui chantait, a work by Marie-Ève Fontaine inspired by the book by Gabrielle Roy, running from April 10 to 12, 2026, at Studio 914 in Saskatoon.

Published in 1972, Cet été qui chantait is a work by Gabrielle Roy, a leading figure in Canadian literature, renowned for her sensitive perspective and attention to everyday details. Adapted and performed by Marie-Ève Fontaine, the work takes the form of visual theatre set to music and movement.

A crow carried by the breeze flies over mountains, valleys, and the river, guiding the audience to a small house with green shutters. There, Gabrielle observes the life surrounding her: dancing hay, flowers growing where least expected, birds on the mudflats, and fireflies at dusk.

Accessible to all audiences, particularly children and seniors, the show offers a 60-minute sensory journey filled with gentleness and humor. This Flammèche Théâtre production, directed by Pierre Robitaille, features music by Gérald Laroche and unfolds through a delicate stage language where imagery, rhythm, and matter meet. Performances of Cet été qui chantait in Saskatoon are presented in French with English surtitles and are accompanied by the special programming below.

The fusion of Gabrielle Roy’s and Marie-Ève Fontaine’s artistic worlds naturally finds its place in La Troupe du Jour’s 40th season, which celebrates female voices under the theme ‘She tells the story, we resonate.’ The company will also mark its 40th anniversary with a celebration on May 30, 2026.

PROGRAMMING
  • Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM – Opening Night
    • Special activity starting at 6:30 PM: screening of an episode from the series Le monde de Gabrielle Roy, followed by a discussion hosted by Nicole Lavergne Smith, video journalist at Radio-Canada
    • Q with the artists following the performance
  • Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 PM
    • Musical welcome with Éemi starting at 6:45 PM
    • Q with the artists following the performance
  • Sunday, April 12 at 2:00 PM
    • Q with the artists following the performance

A production by Flammèche Théâtre, presented in partnership with Radio-Canada ICI Saskatchewan.