Laval, March 24, 2022 - The Petits bonheurs festival, the quintessential springtime rendezvous for toddlers aged 0 to 6, will be back from May 6 to 15 in several Laval neighborhoods. For the occasion, the Maison des arts de Laval (MDA) enthusiastically returns to the living arts to offer families a memorable 10-day experience with dozens of activities in a variety of disciplines, including theater, storytelling, music, dance, visual arts and circus arts.

Photo credit Jean-Michel Seminaro

"After two years of pandemic, we're delighted that the festival can return in its usual face-to-face form, marking the return of a multidisciplinary and diversified event offering for toddlers. I invite families to participate in large numbers in these local activities, which enable youngsters to learn about the arts and immerse themselves in playful worlds that stimulate their imaginations and awaken their curiosity."

- Seta Topouzian, Renaud city councillor responsible for children's issues

"A key player in the programming and dissemination of cultural activities for young audiences, the Maison des arts de Laval has included this cultural and social festival in its programming from the very outset, placing toddlers and families at the heart of its mission. By presenting this event, the presenter makes art accessible to families from all socio-economic backgrounds, thanks to a component of the event that reaches out to the most disadvantaged families."

- Flavia Alexandra Novac, Sainte-Rose city councillor in charge of cultural affairs

Six shows, two of them sold out

- Created using shadow theater, tabletop puppets and materials, with live music and scent diffusion, Pomelo (Ombres Folles) features an adorable, tiny pink elephant who discovers the world around him to the rhythm of the seasons.

- In the circus arts, Hiatus (The Crab Walk) highlights the simple pleasure of playing and creating anywhere and with whatever is at hand.

- The new musical creation Koperkus (Duo AIRS) invites children and parents to take part in a multi-sensory sound show.

- Les Âneries (Cabane Théâtre), a new creation presented as part of Premiers pas, is a Réseau Petits bonheurs initiative to support projects at the start of their career.

Eight artistic discovery workshops

Textile art, parent-child dance, storytelling and drawing, visual arts, early theater, giant puppets and circus games provide a wide range of opportunities to discover the arts in a series of workshops.

Among them are these activities for 0-20 month olds:

- Audrey Ducasse explores sign language for children through the parent-child workshop Conte et comptines signés;

- Emmanuelle Lizère offers the sound exploration workshop L'instant musical.

Programming partners and special events

The Bibliothèques de Laval, Cosmodome, Jeunes musiciens du monde, Salle Alfred-Pellan and the Centre d'interprétation de l'eau (C.I.Eau) will be offering new, free activities as part of the event. In addition, a number of special projects will punctuate the event: the show Momo le chameau, by Laval company Théâtre Fêlé, will be in residence before touring Laval parks this summer. From May 8 to 14, the Jardin des petites âmes play trail will take over the MDA. Other surprise activities may be added between now and the start of the festival.

About Petits bonheurs

Thanks to the invaluable collaboration of community organizations and daycare centers, the festival is delighted to welcome curious audiences from all over the city for each edition. The MDA is a member of the Petits bonheurs network, which is present in many cities and regions of Quebec and Ontario.

Petits bonheurs Laval is presented by Ville de Laval and supported by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and Heritage Canada.

Additional information

Visit the Maison des arts de Laval website for the complete program.

Bas de vignette : Pomelo, Ombres Folles

Photo credit: Jean-Michael Seminaro

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Sources :

Anne-Marie Braconnier

Communications and Marketing Department

Public Affairs Manager

450 680-2343

[email protected]