Marie-Hélène Falcon | Co-founder of Festival TransAmériques (Festival de théâtre des Amériques from 1985 to 2005)

Long before the Quartier des spectacles was created, Marie-Hélène Falcon chose her current location to present the Festival de théâtre des Amériques (FTA), of which she is co-founder. Since 1985, the festival has given local audiences a chance to discover the work of major figures in the performing arts from all over the Americas. Marie-Hélène Falcon remained the FTA’s General and Artistic Director until 2014. Initially held every two years, the Festival became an annual event in 2007, integrating contemporary dance, and was renamed Festival TransAmériques.

A key figure in Montréal’s artistic scene, Marie-Hélène Falcon literally puts theater and dance at the heart of the city. The FTA never hesitates to take to the streets, offering contemporary performances to the entire population. Year after year, this unique festival enables many of the city’s artists to shine on the world stage. Thanks to Marie-Hélène Falcon, the Quartier des spectacles is now a leading venue for contemporary dance and theater, on par with the great international performing arts festivals.

Marie-Hélène Falcon has received a number of awards over the years, including the 2015 Denise-Pelletier award, the highest distinction given in Québec to an individual for outstanding contribution to the performing arts. That same year, she was named Compagne des arts et des lettres du Québec.