Mission and vision
Founded in 1974, Théâtre la Seizième is the main French language, professional theatre company in British Columbia. Since its creation, la Seizième contributes to the richness and diversity of the performing arts through its activities in new play development, production, presentation, and touring in French. Through powerful experiences that reflect the very best of Francophone performing arts, from here and elsewhere, our company aims to inspire, enrich, and bring together diverse audiences.
Our programming consists of a mainstage season, a young audiences season, a series of drama workshops, and an artistic incubator for creative practice.
Values
Passion — We are passionate about the performing arts! This passion energizes us and inspires us to push our limits and to bring both rigour and creativity to the work we do every day. It keeps us engaged and shines through in everything we undertake.
Openness — Our artistic projects are at the centre of our ongoing dialogue with our audiences, our artistic collaborators, and the public at large. Our company aims to be a gathering place for people of all backgrounds and all ages who love the performing arts. The variety of our artistic offerings reflects the diversity around us––a diversity that is one of the greatest assets of our community.
Risk — We aspire to art that is surprising, exhilarating, and relevant! Original ideas, innovative practices, and excellent creative teams are at the heart of our approach. We dare to forge our own path in search of new experiences.
History
At the time the company was created, it was situated on 16th Avenue in Vancouver. The first production for general audiences on the marquee was “Les Belles-Soeurs” by Michel Tremblay, bringing together 15 women on stage. The director and first Artistic Director, Catherine Colvey, was naturally named “la seizième” (the sixteenth person)
