Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Theatre (The Early Years) – Theatre in Nova Scotia has its origins in the first theatrical production in North America, “le Théàtre de Neptune,” authored by Marc Lescarbot and presented at Port-Royal in 1606. This first production was the inspiration for the name of Halifax’s Neptune Theatre; the Salle Marc Lescarbot, a popular performance venue on the Université Sainte-Anne campus, takes its name from the playwright.

Successive generations in Baie Sainte-Marie have used many theatrical genres to express themselves. Comedy, tragedy, and satire, historical re-enactments, pageants depicting or celebrating significant events, skits, dinner theatres, and performance art are but a few that the residents have enjoyed since the 1890s.

Rev. Fr. Delbé Comeau, in his Mémoires 1905-1949, describes in great detail many classical theatre productions mounted at Collège Sainte-Anne as early as 1925. The impressive list includes works by Molière, operettas, and evangelical dramas.

Most community schools, at one point numbering over 40 in Baie Sainte-Marie, presented plays during and at the end of the school year. Well-known works were adapted, such as “le drame de sainte Jeanne d'Arc,” a production staged in 1917 by students at the Meteghan River School. In addition, many original works were written by residents of the community. Elizabeth Comeau, a former teacher at the Meteghan River School, related that, in the 1930s, “shows” would be presented at the second floor of a neighbouring warehouse; the school would shut down for an hour or so to allow the children to either participate in or watch the productions.

More recently, many have enjoyed the comedic productions of Théâtre de la Piquine. The theatrical group “Araignées du boui-boui” has achieved international acclaim for their productions, notably the musical drama Évangéline (see separate write-up).

For researchers studying the rich history of theatre in Clare, consult the extensive collection of photos and information at the archives of the Centre Acadien at Université Sainte-Anne.

Topic: Arts and Culture

Date: [ca. 1955]

Reference: Université Sainte-Anne Collection Centre Acadien Series D, photo 231

For more information, visit the Centre Acadien website.