Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas. Photo Courtesy
Tête-à-têtes with your local elected officials
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a candid interview, The Record had the opportunity to speak with a local theatre talent and current Lennoxville borough councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, who has made significant strides in both his artistic and political careers. He shared insights into his background, his journey into theatre, and his recent political endeavours. Here’s an in-depth look into his life, career, and vision for the community.
Lirette-Gélinas was born in Stratford, a town in the Townships near Aylmer Lake. He stayed in the area until he was 17, before leaving to study in Sherbrooke.
“I did my CEGEP at CEGEP de Sherbrooke, focusing initially on literature, and then I specialized in theatre,” he said.
His passion for theatre led him to pursue further studies in acting techniques.
“I studied in Europe for a couple of years, focusing on physical… theatre. It was an amazing experience that profoundly shaped my approach to theatre,” he explained.
During his time in Europe, he was exposed to diverse theatrical traditions, which broadened his understanding and appreciation of the art form.
After completing his studies, he returned to Sherbrooke and founded his own theatre company, Antipodes Theatre. The company focused on research theatre, starting from hypotheses rather than just pure entertainment.
“Our main interest was in emotional understanding—how can an audience grasp something even without direct language access?” he elaborated. This innovative approach set Antipodes apart and allowed them to explore complex themes and emotions in their productions.
His academic journey didn’t stop there. He continued to explore theatre in Europe, particularly in Poland and Ireland.
“I was fortunate to observe and work with the Polish group Schola Wegajty, which was an eye-opening experience,” he shared. The group’s experimental techniques and commitment to pushing the boundaries of theatre left a lasting impression on him.
Later, during his master’s degree in Ireland, he performed with them in various countries, including Ukraine and Serbia. “Despite being offered… [to pursue my] doctorate, I decided to return home due to personal reasons, including the challenging Irish weather. It rains 265 days a year there, and that got the best of me,” he chuckled.
Upon returning to Canada in 2020, he faced the daunting task of establishing himself in the theatre scene amidst the pandemic. “It was tough as a young actor trying to break into the business during that time,” he admitted. The closure of theatres and the uncertainty of the industry made it difficult for many artists, including him, to find opportunities. However, this period also sparked his interest in political activism.
In 2021, he made the leap into politics, driven by his progressive values and environmental concerns. “I’ve always believed in a strong social net and the importance of addressing climate change. When I was approached to run, it felt like an incredible opportunity,” he recalled.
His campaign was characterized by grassroots efforts, engaging directly with the community. “Being known by the community was important, but I also needed to make myself known more broadly. Citizen participation was crucial from the start,” he emphasized.
Describing his typical day, he highlighted the demanding nature of the role. “Meetings fill my days—sometimes up to 14 hours straight. It’s about finding solutions to problems and engaging with various departments and citizens,” he explained.
Despite the workload, he finds joy in community events and direct interactions with residents. “The less fun part is working with officials and having to say bad news, like, ‘Hey, we didn’t find the solution there or we’ve been searching,'” he added.
Looking ahead, he is focused on several initiatives, including a Citizen Assembly he created at the start of his mandate. “We’ve built a bank of resources to address citizen problems and will be sharing these solutions with the community. The next assembly is on Nov. 6,” he said.
He is also working on defining the role of borough councillors more clearly, in collaboration with other councillors and elected officials. “The role is evolving, and we need to ensure it’s accessible to everyone, not just those nearing retirement,” he noted.
In addition to his political work, he collaborates with the French department of Bishop’s University (BU), where students help him with various projects. “Gabrielle Liu, one of the students, has been outstanding. She saved me a year’s worth of work,” he said. These collaborations not only benefit him but also provide valuable experience for the students involved.
Reflecting on the future, he stressed the importance of community building and education. “We need to work together and involve everyone in the community, ensuring that people are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive,” he said. His commitment to creating a strong, inclusive community is evident in his efforts to engage citizens and address their needs.
He shared a memorable experience from his time at BU, where he directed several plays. “I did an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s work that was quite successful. It was a blend of traditional storytelling and experimental theatre,” he said. This production received positive reviews and remains a highlight of his early career.
Another significant project was his adaptation of a Francophone play by Angèle Séguin. “The play… was more towards experimental theatre and group-built performance. We spent hours preparing material that could emerge organically during the performance,” he explained. This innovative approach to theatre allowed for a unique and dynamic audience experience.
As he looks to the future, he remains dedicated to his dual passions of theatre and public service. His story is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of nurturing local talent. Through his work, he continues to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their communities.