Laval, March 24, 2022 — The Petits bonheurs festival, the ultimate spring event for toddlers aged 0 to 6, will return from May 6 to 15 in several neighborhoods across Laval. For the occasion, the Maison des arts de Laval (MDA) is enthusiastically embracing the performing arts once again to offer families a memorable 10-day experience featuring 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 the pandemic, we are delighted that the festival can return to its usual in-person format, marking the return of a multidisciplinary and diverse program of events for young children. I invite families to turn out in large numbers for these community-based activities, which allow young children to become familiar with the arts and immerse themselves in playful worlds that stimulate their imagination and spark their curiosity.”

— Seta Topouzian, Renaud City Councilmember and Director of Children’s Services

“A key player in the programming and presentation of cultural activities for young audiences, the Maison des arts de Laval has included this cultural and social festival—which places young children and families at the heart of its mission—in its programming since its very inception. By presenting this event, the organization makes art accessible to families from all socioeconomic backgrounds through a component of the event that reaches out to the most disadvantaged families.”

— Flavia Alexandra Novac, City Councilmember of Sainte-Rose and Director of Cultural Affairs

Six shows on the bill, including two sold-out performances

• Combining shadow puppetry, tabletop puppetry, and object theater with live music and scent diffusion, *Pomelo* (Ombres Folles) tells the story of an adorable little pink elephant who discovers the world around her as the seasons change.

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

• The new musical production *Koperkus* (by Duo AIRS) invites children and parents to explore a sound-filled, multisensory walking performance.

• *Les Âneries* (Cabane Théâtre), a new production presented as part of the *Premiers pas* series, is an initiative of the *Réseau Petits bonheurs* to support projects in their early stages.

Eight artistic exploration workshops

Textile art, parent-child dance, storytelling and drawing, visual arts, introductory theater, giant puppets, and circus games offer plenty of opportunities to explore the arts through a series of workshops.

Among these, here are some activities for children aged 0 to 20 months:

• Audrey Ducasse explores sign language for children through the parent-child workshop “Stories and Nursery Rhymes in Sign Language”;

• Emmanuelle Lizère is offering a sound exploration workshop titled *L’instant musical*.

Programming Partners and Special Events

Laval Libraries, the Cosmodome, Jeunes musiciens du monde, Salle Alfred-Pellan, and the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (C.I.Eau) are offering unique, free activities as part of the event. In addition, several special projects will highlight the event: the show Momo le chameau, by the Laval-based company Théâtre Fêlé, will be in residence before embarking on a summer tour of Laval’s parks this summer. The interactive exhibit Jardin des petites âmes will be on display at the MDA from May 8 to 14. Other surprise activities may be added before the festival begins.

About Petits bonheurs

Thanks to the invaluable collaboration of community organizations and daycare centers, the festival is delighted to welcome an eager audience from all corners of the city at each edition. The MDA is a member of the Réseau Petits bonheurs, which operates in several cities and regions across Quebec and Ontario.

"Petits bonheurs Laval" is presented by the City of 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 full program.

Caption: 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]