Company

Highlights


31 original productions
since 1973

Over 1,400,000 spectators, both young and old

Presence in 44 international festivals

5,800 performances in Quebec, Canada, and internationally

Involvement of 300 artists and artisans over the years

Tours conducted in 12 countries across 4 continents

Recipient of 11 awards, including the prestigious Albert-Tessier Award and Compagnon de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec presented to the founder, André Laliberté.

The objectives of the company are to seek contact with young spectators through passion and intelligence, to propose and instill the appreciation of a variety of worlds by relying on the force of theatrical images, to tell stories which find resonance in the imagination of children, making them laugh, dream and reflect. With a desire to diversify and enrich the art of puppetry, Théâtre de l’Œil favours alternating or mixing diverse type of puppets. Thanks to its scenography designs, the ingenuity of its puppets and the originality of the proposed themes, Théâtre de l’Œil has built up a solid reputation .

Founded in 1973 by Francine Saint-Aubin and André Laliberté, who was its artistic director for 47 years, Théâtre de l’Œil has created thirty original productions. Simon Boudreault is taking the helm as artistic director after having performed a variety of roles within the company, including his initial position as puppeteer. Having focused on touring over the years, Théâtre de l’Œil has performed for audiences in Quebec, the rest of Canada and around the world. Thanks to the hard work and creativity of 350 artists and craftspeople, the company has reached more than 1,3 million spectators during its 5,000 or so performances given on four continents.

After garnering local as well as international recognition, Théâtre de l’Œil is a proud to promote Quebec’s artistic excellence.

Mission

Since 1973, the mission of Théâtre de l’Œil has been to create, produce, and present puppet theater productions for young audiences. Its commitment to research and development generates innovations in each production. Additionally, the company engages in professional training and theatre mediation to enrich and broaden its impact within the artistic community and the audience.

 

Vision

Théâtre de l’Œil is committed to producing and presenting plays by contemporary playwrights with a strong and impactful voice in our cultural landscape. Through its skills, expertise, ingenious stage designs, and the originality of the themes it addresses, the company positions itself as an institution in Quebec, Canada, and internationally. Its works enrich the practice and serve as a reference for the entire theatrical community. In addition to providing a platform for emerging talent and diversity, Théâtre de l’Œil offers healthy and optimal working conditions for its artists, artisans, and cultural workers.

 

Values

Théâtre de l’Œil aims to nurture and share these cherished values:

 

ENGAGEMENT:  Striving for excellence to create contemporary works that enrich the personal development of young people by stimulating their critical thinking, sensitivity, perception of the world, and openness to others.

 

TRADITION OF PUPPETRY:  Perpetuate and celebrate the richness of the puppetry art tradition by exploring all aesthetic forms and various existing manipulation techniques. Integrate innovative elements by blending techniques and exploring new forms, always in connection with the artisanal art of puppetry.

 

INNOVATION:  Innovating in our artistic creations, in our contribution to artistic practice, as well as in our organizational practices.

 

INCLUSION:  Supporting the engagement of diverse artists and offering puppet theater productions accessible to all audiences, regardless of their ethnic origins or physical and intellectual abilities.

 

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:  Contributing positively to society and the community with a perspective of sustainable development and seeking to be environmentally responsible in all our practices.