The 5th edition of #Festithéâtrecréole: THEATRE

The festival organized by Théâtre CRÉO is successfully continuing its second week, bringing together artists from across North America and the Caribbean. Gaetan Nerland, the festival coordinator, emphasizes the importance of highlighting talent from the Creole diversity: “Our mission is to ensure that artists from the Creole diversity can be seen on stage, appreciated, and able to make a living from their art. We want the audience to discover the talent present in our Black communities, particularly within this diversity.”

The festival features artists from Martinique, Guadeloupe, and France, including Jean-Marc Joseph, who was recently presented on stage. Nerland also highlights the unifying role of Creole culture: “The Creole community is connected, no matter the distance or challenges faced. It is a culture shared by more than 15 million people worldwide, and it is crucial to promote its richness.”

Among the participants, Joseph Gemar, a young Haitian engaged in social and political fields, captivated the audience with his play Psychosquizo. A political science student in Toulouse and a professional actor for over ten years, he uses theater to address socio-political issues and raise awareness about the situation in Haiti. “I have written socio-political texts to try to provide solutions and spark reflection,” he explains.

His performance presents a character oscillating between apparent madness and lucidity, serving as a metaphor to illustrate society and politics abandoning their citizens. “My goal was to show that even in a difficult context, it is possible to understand, feel, and act for a better future,” Gemar adds. The title of the play, Psychosquizo, reflects this idea: inviting Haitian youth and the diaspora to act responsibly and sensibly in the face of challenges.

The presentation was praised by the audience and received numerous positive reactions. Gemar expresses his satisfaction: “The spectators were touched by the text, and that is the greatest recognition I could receive.”

The Théâtre CRÉO festival thus continues to celebrate creativity, diversity, and civic engagement, offering a platform where culture and social responsibility meet on stage.