The Entretiens arts et société are back in 2026 with the theme “Am I Normal? Let’s get real about it!”

Four late-afternoon events for exploring our contradictions and our aspirations 

Montreal, January 15, 2026. – The Entretiens arts et société series, organized by Place des Arts, is back for a new season with four free public get-togethers. Rose-Aimée Automne T. Morin, host, author, screenwriter and columnist with La Presse, returns for a second time to explore universal questions that resonate in our daily lives. 

These gatherings, presented on Wednesdays at Salon urbain from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., invite personalities from various social and cultural sectors to reflect collectively on contemporary issues. The public is asked to take part in these discussions as a means to understanding, finding clarification, and leaving with courses of action in mind. An ideal formula before the show! 

“For a decade now, Place des Arts has been presenting free and accessible get-togethers to the general public, in line with the richness of its performing-arts program. Led by committed artists and thinkers, these encounters — never complacent — fuel the curiosity of an audience increasingly eager to deepen their understanding of creative processes and of the social, cultural and human issues of our time. Since last year they’ve been hosted by Rose-Aimée Automne T. Morin, who brings a lively, bold perspective to the discussions.” 

 – Clothilde Cardinal, Senior Director, Education and Special Projects, Place des Arts 

PROGRAMMING 

Suis-je normal·e de succomber à la pression de performance?
January 28, 2026 | Salon urbain | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.| Free (registration recommended: Interactive seating chart | Place des Arts) 

Today, productivity reigns supreme. We have to be at the top of our game everywhere: at work, at home, in the gym… How much control do we have over the weight on our shoulders? To discuss the matter, Rose-Aimée Automne T. Morin will be backed by Chloé Rochette, founder of the firm Le Mouvement HappyFitness, Lory Zéphyr, psychologist specializing in maternal health, attachment and perinatal care, Vincent-Guillaume Otis, well-known actor, and Julia Posca, researcher and author of the book Travailler moins ne suffit plus. 

 
Suis-je normal·e d'osciller entre aimer et renier mes racines? 
February 4, 2026 | Salon urbain | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.| Free (registration recommended: Interactive seating chart | Place des Arts) 
 
The generations that came before have left us a collective and intimate legacy. How do we distinguish between what propels us forward and what should be left behind? That question will be explored with Kim Thúy, acclaimed author, Soleil Launière, transdisciplinary artist, Jean-Philippe Pleau, author, sociologist and host, and Alex Viens, author and journalist. 

 
Suis-je normal·e de vouloir rire même si tout va mal? 
February 11, 2026 | Salon urbain | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.| Free (registration recommended: Interactive seating chart | Place des Arts) 
 
Crises and injustices notwithstanding, we thirst for humor. What purpose does laughter serve today? To discuss it, Stéphane Fallu, humorist, Louise Richer, CEO and founder of the École nationale de l’humour, Léa Stréliski, humorist and columnist, and David Robichaud, philosopher, author and columnist, will be sharing their thoughts. 

 
Suis-je normal·e de trouver du réconfort dans la nostalgie? 
February 18, 2026 | Salon urbain | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.| Free (registration recommended: Interactive seating chart | Place des Arts) 
 
What’s the explanation for our repeatedly going back to the same series, the same albums or the same old recipes when our bearings waver? If we love the past to that extent, can we fully appreciate the present? Marina Orsini, actor and host much loved by the public, Catherine Forget, host, producer, content creator and co-founder of the podcast Québec Nostalgie, and Katharina Niemeyer, researcher and co-founder of the collective Rabbit Research – art mouvementé et indiscipliné, will be on hand to discuss that need for comfort. 

Place des Arts is proud to be partnering this year with the Canadian Mental Health Association in promoting a positive approach to well-being. That partnership allows us to offer concrete, accessible resources to those who feel the need for them. 
 

*Please note that all interviews will be presented in French only. 
 

The Entretiens arts et société are made possible thanks to the financial support of the Fondation de la Place des Arts. Thanks also to La Presse, our media partner as well as to the Canadian Mental Health Association for its collaboration. 

Source: 
Géraldine Zaccardelli 
Communications and Public Relations Manager at Place des Arts 
gzaccardelli@placedesarts.com 

Media relations: 
Mélissa Roy 
Roy & Turner 
mroy@roy-turner.com