Born from the transformative experience of Postmarginal Montreal in 2018, le Collectif feuille déchirée is a multidisciplinary collective, founded by Aouatef Krikrou, Camille Havas, and Roxanne de Bruyn. With roots in inclusion and interculturality, the collective is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared desire to create a theatre that embraces differences as its core strength.
The Origins of Feuille déchirée
The seeds of Feuille déchirée were sown during the Postmarginal Montreal event, the first of three community transformation retreats that Postmarginal held in Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton. This event, supported by Modern Times Stage Company, Diversité Artistique Montréal and the Conseil des arts du québécois du théâtre, brought together a diverse group of artists to explore the nuances of inclusion and difference in theatrical creation. Reflecting on their experience at the event, the three artists of Feuille déchirée recognized the potential for a new kind of theatre—one that transcends traditional boundaries of language, origin, and practice to create meaningful connections.
The collective’s name, Feuille déchirée, is rich with symbolism.The choice of the word “Feuille” expresses the possibility of writing on a blank page and giving ourselves the right to experiment together, even if it means making mistakes. The leaf also symbolizes the tree whose roots are back there, serving as a way to connect to a new society. Finally, it represents us as raw material for experimentation. The word “Déchirée” refers to what came before us and to our uprooting, which we want to remember in order to embrace this difference.
Mission and Vision
Le collectif Feuille déchirée creates connections and reconnects with a community that both transforms and is transformed by others. Born from their desire to collectively imagine an alternative theatre that places differences in origins, languages, ages, and disciplines (theatre, dance, circus, performance) at the heart of creation, the collective defines itself as a continuation of the Postmarginal Montreal laboratory in 2018. Its members embrace the power of the circle, the emergence of a “common vision rich in meaning on the essential and complex issue of diversity in theatre,” and interculturality.
Avant que la dernière feuille ne tombe (Before the last leaf falls)
This interdisciplinary work blending circus, theatre, and performance art is a heartfelt tribute to grandmothers, delving into their influence on our lives and their role within our society.
Three performers embark on a deeply personal quest, weaving the stories of their Algerian, Hungarian, and Belgian grandmothers. Through vivid memories of childhood, tales of love, and heartfelt confidences, they bring these matriarchs to life.
Set on an intimate circular setting, the audience and performers share a space that fosters exchange and reflection. This unconventional setup invites viewers to engage, sparking a dialogue between the performers’ stories and the audience’s own memories.
The performance creates moments of natural interaction, encouraging the audience to reflect on their relationships with their ancestors. It asks a poignant question: How can the bond with our forebears help us take root in a new environment?
Through its evocative storytelling and shared intimacy, this show becomes more than a performance—it’s an invitation to connect, remember, and honor the women who shape our lives.
Meet the Founders
Photo by Adriana Garcia Cruz
Aouatef Kikrou
Aouatef Krikrou is an actress, mediator, and drama teacher, holding a degree from the École supérieure de théâtre at UQAM. Co-founder of the Feuille déchirée collective, she develops inclusive theatre that explores memory and heritage. In 2024, her production Avant que la dernière feuille ne tombe was presented at Théâtre aux Écuries, celebrating cultural diversity and the role of grandmothers. Since starting her career in Algeria at the age of 10, she has performed in both classical and contemporary works while also participating in television projects. In parallel, she leads theatre mediation workshops, connecting audiences to artistic works in collaboration with various arts organizations.
Camille Havas
Trained as an engineer and specializing in artificial intelligence, Camille’s journey took a creative turn through photography, circus arts, and performance. Her work is deeply kinesthetic, reflecting a profound connection between body and environment. Camille’s multi-disciplinary approach includes augmented reality, installations, and somatic dance, all designed to open audiences to new perspectives and experiences.
Roxanne de Bruyn
A multidisciplinary artist with over 20 years of experience, Roxanne blends theatre, circus, and performance with writing and research. Her innovative projects, like Théâtre à domicile, break down the boundaries between art and everyday life. From performing 4.48 Psychose in intimate settings to her clown-theatre solo Greta, gardienne de prison, Roxanne’s work challenges conventions while amplifying marginalized voices.
A Collective for a Possible Future
Feuille déchirée is more than a theatre collective—it’s a movement towards inclusive, transformative art. By prioritizing intercultural dialogue and collective creation, it redefines what it means to connect through performance. As the collective continues to grow, it remains deeply committed to its mission of honoring difference and forging meaningful relationships through art.
For more information about the collective’s work, upcoming performances, or cultural mediation initiatives, visit their website or reach out directly. Let’s celebrate a theatre that tears down walls to build bridges.
