There are two categories of storytellers in Quebec: Fred Pellerin and the others. Renée Robitaille is one of these “others”, but her way is unique: the storyteller and author has been telling stories that are both intimate and have social resonance for 25 years. Interview on freedom of speech, taboos and self-censorship, at a time when she is publishing two books: one for adults on female sexuality and the other for children on transidentity.
There wasn’t much taboo in the family where Renée Robitaille grew up. Talking about sexuality was not, remembers the storyteller and author. As a teenager, she was proud to be “comfortable with the words of sexuality”. “My brother told his friends: call my sister, she will be able to explain to you,” she adds with an amused smile.
On stage as in the pages of her books, she explores intimate themes which often have a strong social resonance. After flirting with the saucy tale at the turn of the millennium, she followed the vein with a show made up of stories of pregnancy and childbirth (Sowing time2004). His show and his book Pickaxe men (2007-2010) probe the hearts of miners in his native region, Abitibi.
There is a desire in her to free speech.
My goal is not to do good to the world, but I know that the stories I carry can do that, because they do me good.
Renee Robitaille
Regardless of the medium she chooses, it is important to her to tell meaningful stories. This is again the case with his last two books: one, for adults, talks about female sexuality and the other, for children, about transidentity.
Unveiling the intimate feminine
Sexual stories, published at the end of September, is a good example of his approach. This book closes a cycle that began 10 years ago, when the storyteller began to collect stories from women about their sex and love lives. It comes after a podcast series called Nakedthen a show of the same name.
The intimacy of women has always interested him. “I saw that it was complicated for many people before realizing that I too carry wounds. You don’t need to have experienced terrible trauma to carry wounds, even just self-esteem issues, she says. These things are part of what we bring into sexuality and our way of approaching others. »
Renée Robitaille does not feel that talking about sexuality or female pleasure is controversial. “There is the way,” she adds, however. I am in delicacy. » His art is not intended to be polemical, in fact. She nevertheless feels that the spirit of the times is changing, that there is increasing pressure to regulate freedom of speech, even artistic freedom.
Does she censor herself? “Yes,” she said. Especially in activities aimed at young people that are presented in a public setting such as libraries or schools. There are many educators, teachers and school administrators who fear parents’ reactions.
Talking to children about transidentity
His most recent children’s book, entitled Belugas, Béloufillesis interested in gender identity in children. It was originally published in 2019, but reappears at a time when the issue of transidentity, which comes up sporadically in the news, sometimes provokes very strong reactions. She approaches the issue with great tact, emphasizing the heartbreaking feelings of her main character, a child on the cusp of adolescence who suffers from having to repress his deep identity.
Gender identity often crystallizes very early in life, according to his research, so trans children are aware of the gap they experience very early on too. “So it’s important that we talk about it early at school, so that children and their friends know that it’s possible,” says Renée Robitaille.
Despite the noose that she sometimes feels tightening around stories that go beyond the pale, she still believes that art remains a territory where delicate or even controversial questions can still be approached with nuance.
“I realized that, during my shows, I have to take care of the people in the room. If I [fais partager] stories impeccably with all my craft and my talent, it will go less well than if I arrive with gentleness and empathy, she assures. The difference is subtle, but it makes people relax and open up. »
Renée Robitaille presents Papa Bear the 1er December in Val-Morin and Naked October 10 at Bic, then May 2, 2025 in Châteauguay. She is also participating in the Rendez-vous des Grandes Gueules, until October 13 in Trois-Pistoles.
Sexual stories
Rebel planet
248 pages
Belugas, Béloufilles
Kata Editor
120 pages