Land Acknowledgement

We recognize that Théâtre Cercle Molière is situated on the ancestral lands of the Anishinabee, Ininewak and Dakota peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis Nation. We recognize that Manitoba is also home to the ancestral lands of the Anishininiwak and Dene. Stories have been told on these lands for millennia, and we’d like to thank Métis Elder Dolorès Gosselin for guiding us through the season.

Vision

We seek to bring Manitobans together through French theatre and culture, so as to build a strong, creative, open and interconnected community.

Mission

Through our activities, we share powerful stories that are enriching and thought-provoking. We stimulate the creativity of our youth, we foster the development of our amateur and professional artists, and we welcome the community while proudly wearing our one hundred years of history. We collaborate with local, national and international artistic and community organizations, the education sector and individual citizens.

Values

Innovation

We never cease to advance, learn and improve, with curiosity, passion, creativity and audacity as our driving forces.

Connection

We seek to develop a friendly space for belonging, one where anyone can feel welcome. It is our responsibility to establish connections between the dramatic work and the public so as to create a sense of belonging.

Collaboration

We believe that thinking and working together allows us to achieve more ambitious goals. This is why each of us is committed to the success of the team, of our theatre artists and of our young people.

Opening

We are an open, welcoming place in tune with its community. We believe that access to culture is a human right and that everyone should have the same opportunities to enrich their lives.

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Our history

Founded in 1925, Théâtre Cercle Molière is the oldest active theatre company in Canada, French or English. Since its beginnings, it remains a driving force in the cultural life of French-speaking Manitoba.

1925: Foundation

Based in St. Boniface, in the heart of metropolitan Manitoba, Le Cercle Molière brings classical repertoire to rural Manitoba.

1940-1968: Direction by Pauline Boutal

Under the leadership of Pauline Boutal (1940-1968), the Cercle Molière distinguished itself several times at the Dominion Drama Festival.

1950s

Le Cercle Molière presents Quebec and Canadian theatre

1958

First tour of Western Canada.

1970

Le Cercle Molière becomes the first non-professional troupe to perform at the National Arts Centre.

1968-2012: Direction of Roland Mahé

Le Cercle Molière is transformed into a professional company, both in terms of the conditions offered to artists and the caliber of excellence pursued, and in terms of its production capabilities.

1968-2012

In this second phase, the Cercle Molière is focusing on Manitoba creation. It produces adaptations and translations of Canadian and foreign plays, presents numerous Quebec texts that resonate with Franco-Manitobans, and sets up several training and support programs for artists.

1986

The troupe presents its first season devoted entirely to Franco-Manitoban drama

2000

For its 75th anniversary, the Cercle Molière presents a second all-French-Manitoban artistic season.

2010

After ten years of planning and over $2 million in private-sector fundraising, the Cercle Molière team relocated to boulevard Provencher, St. Boniface's most important thoroughfare, in May 2010. The advent of a long-awaited, dedicated permanent venue enhances the troupe's technical capabilities, provides the administrative team with a bright, energizing environment and offers artists a stimulating, airy workplace.

2012 to present: Management by Geneviève Pelletier

Geneviève Pelletier, Métis creator and director, has been artistic and general director of Théâtre Cercle Molière since 2012. She is interested in the crossroads of cultures and the multiple possibilities opening up in this world that is becoming smaller and smaller, producing fertile and complex spaces for creation.

2016

The Cercle Molière changes its name to Théâtre Cercle Molière.

2024

Over the years, close to 70 plays by Franco-Manitoban authors have been presented on the Théâtre Cercle Molière stage. The company continues to seek out new voices from our community.

October 4, 2025

Symbolizing the vitality of the institution and the communities in which it evolves, the MCT will celebrate its centenary on October 4, 2025 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

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Artistic Direction

Geneviève Pelletier

Geneviève Pelletier is a Métis performer and director from Winnipeg. Since 2012, she has been the Artistic Director of the Théâtre Cercle Molière. She is interested in the intermingling/interweaving of cultures and the myriad of possibilities that are opening up in a world that is getting smaller all the time, giving rise to complex and fertile spaces for creation. Issues of important demographic change within communities, the changing face of the Francophone and Métis communities are now reference points for a theatre company that is continually searching for renewal and relevance.

Where we are

A renewal of the performing arts

National and international collaborations

TCM is increasingly collaborating with theatre companies in Canada and abroad. Offering recent masterpieces such as Un. Deux. Trois (2022), alterIndiens (2024) and L'Amour telle une cathédrale ensevelie (2024).

Pushing the limits

Théâtre Cercle Molière presents daring plays that challenge convention and provoke thought. By pushing the traditional boundaries of the performing arts, it invites its audiences to step out of their comfort zones and explore new perspectives.

Unforgettable experiences

From dialogue and lighting to sound and scenery, TCM ensures that each play is a unique experience for the audience.

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Increasingly diverse programming

HYPERART

For Nuit Blanche and under the direction of Franco-Manitoban artist Rayannah, Théâtre Cercle Molière is collaborating with the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain and Synonym Art Consultation on the HYPERART project.

Black and Proud

This initiative takes place during Black History Month, an opportunity to educate, raise awareness and come together to celebrate Black communities across Canada.

The 100th

TCM will celebrate its centenary in the 2025-2026 season. Many unique events are in preparation to mark its extraordinary longevity.

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Eco-responsible accreditation

This accreditation is aimed at performing arts professionals wishing to undertake a sustainable development approach (environmental, social and economic pillars). The process is user-friendly, adapted to the fast-paced world of the cultural sector. It helps to structure the integration of sustainable development and provokes crucial reflection, opening the door to new perspectives and management methods, while fostering a sense of belonging for existing teams. In this way, the sector mobilizes through sharing best practices and forging strong links with the community.

Strategic planning

Policies

Financial and annual reports