Press release
For immediate release
Montreal, September 11 2025
Founded in 2000, Montreal-based documentary theatre company Porte Parole proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary. A pioneer in its field, the company has left its mark on—and helped shape—the cultural landscape; today, one in four new plays produced in Quebec is documentary theatre. Annabel Soutar and Alex Ivanovici have succeeded in bringing documentary theatre to the forefront.
Giving a voice to those we hear less often so we can deepen collective reflection and fuel public debate was the project Alex and I first imagined. Creating encounters with others, leaving our echo chambers for an open space where viewpoints meet, clash, and enrich one another—that came true,” say Porte Parole co-founder and Artistic Director Annabel Soutar and co-founder and Artistic Associate Alex Ivanovici.
Looking ahead
These 25 years of theatre, creation, storytelling, and encounters have forged Porte Parole’s identity. They inspire and propel what comes next. Building on its expertise in documentary research, development, and theatre production, Porte Parole will continue to pursue bold ideas while strengthening a major focus on training and knowledge-sharing.
25 years by the numbers
Porte Parole wishes to thank all the collaborators who have helped advance and shine a light on documentary theatre. Over the past 25 years, Porte Parole has created 22 original plays with 18 authors, 23 directors, 135 actors, and 138 other stage artists. It has given 950 performances with dozens of presenting partners in more than 75 venues across Quebec, Canada, and internationally. The company’s works have reached over 225,000 audience members in some 60 cities.
Anniversary programming – 2025-2027
Porte Parole will mark its 25-year history by paying tribute to landmark works, collaborators, and presenting partners, and by recognizing the vital participation of audiences who have been there every step of the way. The 2025–2027 program will feature flagship events that commemorate the company’s exceptional journey. It will bring together longtime collaborators and revisit issues that remain timely, exploring how these debates have evolved.
The 25th-anniversary celebrations open with Emily Mann and Annabel Soutar in Conversation, moderated by Robert Lepage, to be held on October 6 at the Centaur Theatre (453 Saint-François-Xavier Street) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A must-attend event!
Emily Mann and Annabel Soutar in Conversation
Moderated by Robert Lepage
Presented by Porte Parole
In collaboration with McGill University’s English Department
and the Centaur Theatre
October 6, 2025 – 5:30
Centaur Theatre, 453 Saint-François-Xavier St
Tickets: $25
To officially kick off its 25th anniversary celebrations, Porte Parole, in partnership with McGill University’s English Department and the Centaur Theatre, is hosting a special public conversation bringing together three leading voices in contemporary theatre. Annabel Soutar, Porte Parole’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director, will be joined by Emily Mann, a trailblazer of documentary theatre in the United States, in a conversation moderated by the celebrated Canadian playwright, director, and actor Robert Lepage.
This rare encounter will explore the evolution and impact of documentary theatre on both sides of the border over the past 25 years.
Thank you to our hotel partner
Porte Parole
Since 2000, Porte Parole has created and produced original documentary plays about Canadian contemporary life that inspire diverse audiences to think critically together about current social issues. In a world marked by polarization, misinformation, and social isolation, the company strives to be a living agora where people come together to engage with divergent points of view and enrich public debate. Based in Montreal, Porte Parole’s productions tour across the world.
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