Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Manitoba – The Théâtre Montcalm is set to bring laughter back to the stage with its upcoming production of On court toujours après l’amour, a comedy by Quebec playwright Chantal Cadieux. Performances are scheduled from March 6th to 8th at the St Jean Centennial Hall, continuing a 36-year tradition of community theatre in the region.
The play, presented in collaboration with the Comité culturel de Saint-Jean-Baptiste, delves into the lives of Céline, a 49-year-old woman, her daughter Sarah, 25 and sister Juliette, 44, all living under one roof and navigating the complexities of single life. The dynamic shifts when Sarah announces her intention to marry, challenging long-held family patterns. The production promises a light-hearted exploration of love, family, and the complications that inevitably arise, offering audiences a comedic perspective on relatable human experiences.
A Familiar Voice and Accessible Themes
Julie Legal, president of the Comité culturel de Saint-Jean-Baptiste and a member of the theatre troupe, explained the selection of Cadieux’s work. “We had already staged at least one play by this author given that we really liked her style, her accessible language, and her fairly universal themes,” she said. The troupe actively seeks scripts that resonate with the community, prioritizing humour and relatable storylines. Finding a play that’s “going to be funny because we’re here to entertain” is a key consideration, according to Legal. The play’s title, On court toujours après l’amour (roughly translated as “We’re always running after love”), is intentionally ironic, as the characters’ actions often belie the sentiment.
Legal, who plays the role of Juliette, describes her character as “plaintive, funny, and insightful,” highlighting the importance of roles that can “change the course of the story.” The production aims to balance a weighty subject matter with comedic timing, recognizing that human relationships, particularly romantic ones, often provide ample material for laughter. The troupe’s commitment to accessible French is also a priority, ensuring the play is understandable and enjoyable for a wide audience.
Challenges and Rewards of Community Theatre
Producing theatre in a small, rural community presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to casting. Legal noted that the troupe typically selects plays with a limited number of characters – between five and six – to accommodate the available pool of French-speaking actors. Despite these logistical hurdles, the rewards of bringing live theatre to Saint-Jean-Baptiste are significant. For 36 years, Théâtre Montcalm has provided a platform for local talent and a source of entertainment for residents.
The play’s themes of family dynamics and the pursuit of love are expected to resonate with audiences. As Legal explained, “Human relationships are complicated, they’re funny, they’re messy, and people really love, especially the dynamics between men and women. It’s always funny.” The production promises to offer a fresh and humorous take on these universal experiences.
Tickets for On court toujours après l’amour were available through Eventbrite as of March 6, 2026, with performances scheduled for March 6th, 7th, and 8th at the Salle centenaire de Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Event details and ticket information can be found on Eventbrite.
As the curtain rises on On court toujours après l’amour, the Théâtre Montcalm continues its tradition of bringing laughter and engaging storytelling to the community of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The troupe’s dedication to accessible theatre and relatable themes ensures a performance that promises to entertain and resonate with audiences of all ages. The success of this production will undoubtedly pave the way for future theatrical endeavors in the region, solidifying Théâtre Montcalm’s role as a vital cultural institution.
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