On May 8 and 9, as part of Mental Health Week, the CIUSSS’ Mental Health and Addiction Programs Directorate invited clients of the Operational Stress Injury Clinic (and their loved ones) to a theatrical performance. Entitled The Monarques Project, the piece tells of veterans’ experiences while serving overseas. It was presented in the auditorium of Ste. Anne’s Hospital.
What makes the play unique is that it is based on experiences shared by hundreds of veterans a few years ago. They wrote about events that affected them during their time in the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Reserves. But they also wrote about the post-traumatic stress injuries they have faced and continue to deal with. In addition, the loved ones of some veterans also shared their experiences, contributing another significant perspective to the performance.
The Théâtre des petites lanternes is a troupe of five actors, who presented both a French and an English performance to about 200 spectators. There was a discussion period with the actors at the end of each performance, during which several audience members also shared their experiences.
“Thank you. I am a helper, and helpers have a great deal of empathy and compassion. We know their suffering. We can touch it, see it, hear it. You managed to give us a very in-depth view of the suffering veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome experience.” —An audience member
You can watch the CBC Montréal report here (20:23).
Performers, left to right: Sylvain Massé, Étienne D’Anjou, Catherine Hughes, Emmanuelle Laroche, and Sébastien Rajotte.
Their performances rang true, sharing messages of both distress and hope throughout their presentation.