It all began in 2009, when the circus closed the city's 375th anniversary celebrations. Mayor Yves Levesque announced the construction of the Cogeco Amphitheatre, which took several years to complete.
“No one could have imagined that we would be welcoming one of the most prestigious companies in the world,” said Steve Dube, former CEO of Trois-Rivières Events.
Later, the Cogeco Amphitheatre hosted many artists, including unique shows such as Cirque du Soleil.
“At first we had a hard time getting people to come to us. […] “Now, artists are inviting us to come to the Cogeco Amphitheatre,” Mr. Levesque said.
The Quebec circus company has completely changed the cultural image of the region. According to the general and artistic director of Trois-Rivières Events, it is an “awareness tool”.
“The circus show attracts people from everywhere, and at the same time when people come here, they discover our heritage, our museums and our artists,” explained Thomas Gregoire.
We told ourselves it would be so. Nonsense “We shouldn’t lose that and do it on a more regular basis,” explained Stéphane Lefèvre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Group. “We visit a lot of places in the world, but this amphitheater is so beautiful. And with the opening onto the river, it’s so magical and inspiring for our artisans as well.
Watch Felix Antoine Audet's report in the video.
