An unusual sanctuary dedicated to
the creation of puppetry and object theater
La Fabrique de théâtre insolite, the creation hub and performance space of the theatre company Les Sages Fous, opened its doors in the winter of 2024.
This inspiring venue specializes in the creation of new theatrical works in contemporary puppetry: a visual and hybrid art form at the crossroads of many worlds.
Years in the making, the project of La Fabrique de théâtre insolite is something of a fairytale. It is the fabulous story of a building being reborn into its community.
It is a place of dreams, dedicated to the birthing of new works in puppetry.
It is the story of a very “hands on” theatre company who, after touring in festivals and theatres all over the world, will finally have a venue that will give it a year-round, local and lasting presence in its town and region.
The Fabrique de théâtre insolite will be the hub of Les Sages Fous work; permitting them to explore, expand, and to dream up worlds otherwise impossible.
It will also be the heart of les Sages Fous infamous biannual festival dedicated to work in progress founded in 2002: ''Microfestival de marionnettes inachevées'' as well as the ''Saison de théâtre insolite''
which present, since 2009, an intriguing array of unusual theatre pieces destined for unconventional spaces.
These two beloved events have invited over 106 artistic groups
from over 12 countries to perform in Trois-Rivières for the enthusiastic
and heteroclite audiences of the city.
They are at the very heart of the project of La Fabrique de théâtre insolite.
La Fabrique de théâtre insolite will also host innovative artists- puppeteers from here and abroad, for creative residencies. The entire population will have privileged access to the creation process of artists from all over the world who will propose exciting, unusual theatre for all ages.
The last few years have been epic, of great metamorphosis. This major transition was brought about by the realization of The Factory of Unusual Theatre. We have adapted all our projects to this changing reality, establishing creative strategies to test all the activities that make up the whole project.
The prefiguration of The Factory of Unusual Theatre is divided into three phases:
"CAMPING" MODE (2018-2020)
Starting in October 2018, we finally had access to the church and convent, we were able to map out the artistic outlines of the Factory project, display our colors with powerful shows and develop our audience on an annual basis.
"PANDEMIC" MODE (2020-2021)
The pandemic forced our team to cancel planned performances, but we were able to adapt our Micro-festival so that it would continue to serve the community by offering residencies in distanciation, which took place throughout the 2020-21 year.
"CONSTRUCTION" MODE (2022-2023)
Construction began in August 2022, but the space had been unusable since the beginning of the year. Several exploratory works had taken place, and our team even tore up three hundred-year-old floors in the church with the aim of reusing the wood to build furniture for the Factory.
With no suitable space for creation and dissemination, we concentrated on reviving three of our creations. Locally, this enabled us to maintain our links with the school milieu, the newcomer community and the general population. Internationally, the revivals enabled our shows to honor prestigious invitations, thus maintaining our ties abroad.
Put on your construction boots and visit the site with photos, sketches and a 360° virtual tour.
"I'm really proud to see all the work Les Sages Fous has done with this creative space for the citizens of the city of Trois-Rivières."
Mr. Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister responsible for Youth and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region
"I'm delighted to see this magnificent project come to fruition. I would also like to underline the immense artistic contribution made by the Sages Fous to our city."
Jean Lamarche, Mayor of Trois-Rivières
"This Fabrique de théâtre insolite project is, in a very sensitive way, thought out by and for the artists."
Dinaïg Stall, DESS Coordinator
in Contemporary Puppet Theatre, UQAM, 2019
This cultural infrastructure project is made possible
thanks to the financial support
the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec,
Canadian Heritage, the City of Trois-Rivières and Culture Trois-Rivières.
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