ON MAY 30, LA TROUPE DU JOUR CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF FRANCOPHONE THEATRE IN SASKATCHEWAN

Since 1985, La Troupe du Jour has helped shine a spotlight on Francophone theatre in Saskatchewan. To mark its 40th anniversary, the company invites the public to a special evening on May 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Studio 914, hosted by Pascale Bouchard and Manuela Ejake of Radio-Canada.

Long before La Troupe du Jour was founded, French-language theatre already held an important place in Fransaskois life, notably in schools, parishes, and communities. This tradition of creation and gathering continued in 1969, when Ian C. Nelson founded Unithéâtre at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1985, young artists Alphonse Gaudet, Carmen Gareau, and Michel Quirion founded La Troupe du Jour with the desire to create theatre rooted in the Fransaskois reality. As early as 1986, the company presented Azarie, a collective creation addressing the cultural marginalization of Fransaskois seniors.

Forty years later, La Troupe du Jour remains the province’s only professional Francophone theatre company and continues to support artists, emerging artists, and French-language creation through its productions, its theatre school, the Writers’ Circle, and its community activities. With Studio 914 and its own production centre, La Troupe also serves as an important venue for presentation and gathering for Saskatoon’s artistic and community scene.

Forty years ago, a community dreamed of seeing theatre lived continuously in French in Saskatchewan. Today, that dream is very much alive. The 40K for 40 Years campaign helps ensure that La Troupe du Jour can continue to offer new opportunities for artists, young people, and audiences in the years to come.
– SYLVIE BERGERON, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As part of its 40th anniversary, La Troupe du Jour is continuing its 40K for 40 Years campaign, with the goal of raising $40,000 by May 30, 2026. As of April 30, $28,000 has already been raised. Donations can directly support La Troupe du Jour’s activities or the Ian C. Nelson Fund (LTDJ), administered by the Fransaskois Foundation.

With an ’80s theme, the evening will include readings from plays, a light snack, music, and dancing. Radio-Canada will present an exclusive feature highlighting key moments in La Troupe du Jour’s history and its impact in the Fransaskois community. The evening will also be an opportunity to unveil, among other things, La Troupe’s new logo.

Tickets are available for $60, including one beverage and an official $40 charitable donation receipt.