This text is part of the special Youth Culture section
With the arrival of good weather, the performance halls offer children’s works that are as rich as they are diverse, combining theater, storytelling, puppets and music, which have everything to delight young audiences.
Montreal
“In the kitchen of the Ear”
One day a lively young man appeared in the kitchen of a lonely lady. The unusual duo will discover each other until they harmonize in this unusual place emitting a host of strange sounds.
Free from words, the piece takes advantage not only of these sounds giving rise to comical moments, but also of the movements of the characters (the dashing young man in a costume even shows circus feats).
The show thus invites children to listen carefully to understand the intentions of the characters differently: through the sound ambiance, created by a percussionist and a clarinetist on stage, as well as through gestures.
“What I really like about this show is that children will feel the language of music and the physical language,” says artistic director Marie-Hélène da Silva, who also plays the lady in a video, in a video. the white hair. “If we observe carefully, people say many things through their bodies. »
Place des Arts, April 18, 2024, from 8 years old.
“Norman is like normal, except for one letter”
Norman is not a 7-year-old boy like any other. He loves wearing dresses, which he likes to twirl around him. By going to school one day wearing his favorite outfit, he destabilizes those around him, each telling their version of this day which will change the student’s school journeys.
Through an ultimately banal piece of clothing, this Belgian creation joyfully addresses the relationship to the norm, the acceptance of difference and the codes associated with gender, while avoiding the trap of moralization. Incorporating dance, the production is as colorful and playful as the protagonist’s candy pink and denim blue outfit.
Aimed at young people aged 4e year from primary to 1er secondary school cycle, the play will most likely provoke questions and reflections. What does it mean to be normal? Are there good reasons to differentiate between boys and girls? Or, can we “shine too much”?
House Theater, from 1er to May 12, 2024, from 9 to 12 years old.
“Undin”
This puppet show will transport young audiences to the seabed in the company of a little fisherman transformed into an astonishing aquatic creature who will meet a little girl who remained on the surface. The sound universe supporting the story will lull the little ones.
L’Illusion, puppet theater, from April 16 to 28, 2024, from 3 to 6 years old.
“Childhood gardens”
Eight characters playfully question the balance of power between children and adults. All these characters were created at various times by Jasmine Dubé, co-founder of Théâtre Bouches décousues, a company which has produced more than thirty shows for children.
Maison Théâtre, from April 17 to 21, 2024, 2e and 3e primary cycles.
“Melom’âne”
A virtuoso donkey invites the young audience to create an opera show. Combining puppets, theater and lyrical singing, this participatory show from the Opéra de Montréal has everything to arouse children’s curiosity. And, who knows, planting music-loving seeds?
Pointe-à-Callière, May 5, 2024, from 4 years old.
Quebec
“There will be spring”
While spring blooms outside, young audiences are invited to immerse themselves in a polar atmosphere for a play, where they will witness the meeting of Bella and Marcus, two children who have suffered through winter for too long.
Frozen right down to their eyebrows, they will find refuge in each other and brave the cold together thanks to their imagination, which will allow them to overcome everything… and to dream of an elsewhere where the sun would shine eternally.
On stage, the musician of Syrian origin Omar Abou Afach will punctuate the sensitive fable with the sound of the oud (a lute used in Arabic music), which will symbolize memories and nostalgic moments, and the viola, which will sometimes evoke the storm, sometimes the future, he says in a video. Indeed, the friendship and mutual aid uniting Bella and Marcus will become a true oasis of hope in the harshness of winter.
There is no doubt that their complicity will warm the hearts of the children in the room, who will probably wish that spring would also sing for the endearing duo.
Les Gros Becs, from May 15 to 29, 2024, from 6 to 10 years old.
“Sherloconte”
Children lead the investigation in this immersive show. Within the confines of a dome projecting scenery over 360 degrees, budding detectives must decipher visual, musical, mathematical and emotional enigmas in order to solve a mystery, under the supervision of an inventor from the future.
Grand Théâtre de Québec, May 19, 2024, ages 3 to 12.
Other cities
“176 steps”
Playwright, author and translator Fanny Britt creates a tender puppet tale celebrating the power of friendship. The singer-songwriter Ariane Moffatt brings this story to music, which addresses the multiple faces of anxiety.
A friendship as improbable as it is transformative will be born between the pianist Octave and the reckless Delphine, from a family of fishermen, who at first glance seem to have little in common. While the first struggles to leave the sumptuous coastal residence where he lives, frightened by the unknown and the sea, the second loves to fish, have fun outside and explore nature, the puppeteers also skillfully animating wildlife and mermaid.
The children will get to know each other, discover their respective worlds and instill courage to face their fears. In addition to feeling a range of emotions and letting yourself be lulled by the melodies of the creator of the success Standing, the young audience will perhaps draw on 176 steps the courage to face one’s own worries.
L’Arrière scène (Beloeil), from April 21 to 25, 2024, from 6 years old.
“The vegetable garden”
Inside a small greenhouse, whose walls show videos of plants and gardening scenes, a music group plays which will thrill the young audience, who can both waddle and listen to the show lying on the ground. A vibrant breath of fresh air for children, like a visit to the vegetable garden.
Théâtre des deux rives (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), April 14, 2024, from 3 to 7 years old
“G’zaagiin maleńki. I promise you a forest”
The musician of Franco-Anishinabe origin Emily Marie Séguin and the Abitibian cellist Marie-HélèneMassy Emond invite young and old to imagine themselves under a peaceful canopy and to let themselves be overwhelmed by the sounds. An imaginary forest from which you will emerge with joy in your heart.
Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault (Saint-Jérôme), May 12, 2024, from 2 to 5 years old.
“Mermaid Sisters”
Charli, who is trans, is training for a diving championship; Agnès, who is an amputee, is undergoing physical rehabilitation. These young people will share much more than their neighborhood swimming pool. The play will certainly help to challenge prejudices.
Théâtre de la Ville (Longueuil), May 26, 2024, from 9 to 12 years old.
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