Our history

Initially, the founders of the Festival international des arts de la marionnette, formerly called “La Semaine mondiale de la marionnette”, were deeply convinced of the relevance and the need of providing the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region with an audacious, daring and colourful cultural festive event. This initial wish was reinforced by wanting to provide direct access to various cultures and professional quality works of art. These initial orientations are at the origin of the programming that were all public and consisted of traditional or contemporary type shows.

Since its foundation, in 1989, the Festival hosted over one hundred puppet theatre companies from 26 countries and it organized over 18 training workshops and several exhibitions. By participating in national and international committees and in over 45 international co-operation missions, the Festival provides the spectators direct access to the best productions.

A platform for international diffusion, ManiganSes, Festival international des arts de la marionnette has become a national and international biennial festival that has a significant impact on the development of theatre outside large centres and on the puppet arts of Quebec and elsewhere. The Festival hosts artists and specialists from Quebec, Canada and foreign countries. As the only major puppet theatre event in Canada that is entirely public and the only one in Quebec held outside large centres, the Festival has earned an enviable international reputation with its extensive quality programming, the valuable exchanges and the great hosting.

Our story is not complete without mentioning the giant puppet show that is one of the most important activities for the regional population. From 1992 to 1998, the La Semaine mondiale de la marionnette has co-produced, in partnership with the City of Jonquière, a large display outdoor show given by the Théâtre de la Dame de Cśur. This activity allowed the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean population to discover the giant puppet theatre and to develop an interest for the event. In 2006, ManiganSes reinvented the Rivière-aux-Sables site and renewed its outdoor activities. The Rivière-aux-Sables park donned its festival pageantries by offering free diversified outdoor programming including L'Énigme du Styx, a sound and light show on and in the river.

While continuing its prime mission to hold high artistic quality theatre shows from all over the world, major changes were introduced in 2004. “La Semaine mondiale de la marionnette” became ManiganSes, Festival international des arts de la marionnette.

It is now up to ManiganSes to produce the coming biennial Festival international des arts de la marionnette. And thus the 8^th Festival, traditionally held in July, becomes the marking autumn cultural return event of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, thereby increasing new audiences and new partnerships.

Now firmly established in his territory, ManiganSes has become an important cultural mediator. It is an initiator of artistic projects for the professional and educational community, an instigator for training meetings and projects for the performing arts professionals, and it is a partner of the main national and international networks. By creating jobs, generating economic spin-offs, hosting a team of professionals, artists, broadcasters and foreign journalists through its festival, ManiganSes has created a window on the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

To learn more about each of the Festivals held, the theatre companies hosted, the shows held, the festival dates and other information, please see the Archives section.