SASKATOON, July 24, 2026 – After a season marked by the celebration of its 40th anniversary, La Troupe du Jour concludes its 2025-2026 season with renewed momentum and its sights set firmly on the future
Through personal reflections, staged readings, music and dance, the evening paid tribute to the artists, volunteers, staff members, and community supporters who have helped shape the company since 1985.
The highlight of the anniversary celebrations took place on May 30, when nearly one hundred guests gathered at La Troupe du Jour to celebrate four decades of professional French-language theatre in Saskatchewan during an evening hosted by Radio-Canada journalists Pascale Bouchard and Manuela Ejake
The 40th anniversary also provided an opportunity to permanently honour the contributions of two important figures in La Troupe du Jour’s history:
- Studio 914 has officially been renamed Studio Ian C. Nelson, in honour of the playwright, actor, director, translator, and dramaturg whose work profoundly influenced the development of Fransaskois theatre. The Ian C. Nelson Studio will now serve as the home for La Troupe du Jour’s upcoming productions
- The company’s Resource Centre has also been renamed the Adrienne Sawchuk Resource Centre, in recognition of one of La Troupe du Jour’s first board members and a passionate advocate for the performing arts who also appeared in several of the company’s productions as an actor. The Resource Centre offers the public access to a collection of French-language theatre scripts available for consultation and borrowing.
The evening also marked the beginning of a new chapter for La Troupe du Jour with the unveiling of its new visual identity. Designed by artist Stephanie Kuse, the new logo draws inspiration from both Saskatchewan and the world of theatre. It reflects the company’s past, present, and future while placing community at the heart of its identity.
La Troupe du Jour’s new visual identity marks the beginning of a refreshed brand that will be rolled out gradually in the lead-up to the upcoming season.
As part of the 40K for 40 Years fundraising campaign, more than $32,000 has been raised to date. Donors were invited to support either La Troupe du Jour’s ongoing activities or the Ian C. Nelson Fund, administered by the Fondation fransaskoise, to help ensure the company’s long-term growth and sustainability. While the 2025-2026 season comes to a close, the momentum generated by the 40th anniversary continues.
The public and media are invited to save the date for September 12, 2026, when La Troupe du Jour will unveil the theme and programming of its 41st season (along with a few more surprises!) during a launch event at the Ian C. Nelson Studio, 914 20th Street West in Saskatoon. A hint? The upcoming season will celebrate the connections between generations and the stories that bring us together. Stay tuned!