Théâtre La Roulotte Returns to Montreal Parks with Filibus
The Théâtre La Roulotte is back for its summer season, bringing live, free outdoor theater to Montreal parks through August 14. This year’s production, Filibus, le mystérieux pirate du ciel, is a family-friendly adventure inspired by the 1915 Italian silent film Filibus. The touring production features a troupe of young actors from the Conservatoire d’art dramatique and the École nationale de théâtre, performing nearly 50 shows across 36 locations throughout the city.
A Modern Take on a Silent Film Classic
The play’s narrative centers on the enigmatic pirate Filibus, who terrorizes the city from a dirigible, stealing luxury items like diamond necklaces and emerald cutlery. The plot follows the private investigator Honoré, who struggles to identify the culprit until he receives help from his nephew, Hercule—named in a nod to Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot—and the audience itself.
According to director Marie-Ève Groulx, the production actively engages the audience by providing clues throughout the performance. “We play with biases and preconceived ideas,” Groulx noted, emphasizing that the identity of the pirate may surprise viewers.
Authors Philippe Robert and Sarah Berthiaume adapted the story from the century-old silent film to explore contemporary themes. Robert explained that the original film was “revolutionary” for its time, particularly in how it handled themes of multi-faceted identity. “We are all several things depending on the spheres of our lives,” he said. The co-authors also utilized the story to prompt discussions about wealth, justice, and ethics, framing the production as a “police adventure comedy.”
The History and Reach of La Roulotte
Founded in 1952 by Paul Buissonneau, the Théâtre La Roulotte has served as a launchpad for many prominent Quebec artists over the decades, including Clémence DesRochers, Yvon Deschamps, and Marc Favreau. The program remains a staple of Montreal’s cultural landscape, maintaining its mandate to provide accessible, free performances.
“In Montreal, it is the most accessible form of theater,” Robert stated. “It’s free. It’s everywhere. It goes to meet all audiences.”
Performance Schedule and Logistics
The production utilizes a signature red vehicle that travels between parks to stage the play. The cast for the current season includes Lora B. Choquette, Marie Roussy, Vladmir Victor, Aimée Lambert-Béland, and Mathis Ducas.
While the production is scheduled to run until mid-August, performances are subject to weather conditions. For example, the premiere at Parc La Fontaine was interrupted by a storm on its opening night, necessitating a rescheduling of that performance. Families and theatergoers are encouraged to check the official [city of Montreal website](https://montreal.ca/en/places/theatre-la-roulotte) for the most current schedule, park locations, and potential weather-related cancellations.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
- Accessibility: All performances are free to the public and designed for family audiences.
- Interactive Elements: The production invites the audience to participate in solving the mystery alongside the characters.
- Thematic Depth: The script explores modern questions regarding social identity and the ethics of wealth.
- Venue Information: The tour visits 36 different parks across Montreal; attendees should verify the location and date before traveling.