40 Years of Imagination

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Le Pays de la Sagouine for 40 years of storytelling, music, food and fun. To promote the celebration, a photo contest was held. Cynthia Basque Melanson, Moncton, NB was the first contest winner of a lifetime family season pass.

The winning photo

 Le Pays de la Sagouine is based on a play by Antonine Maillet first published in 1971. Renowned for her portrayal of the lead character is Viola Léger who returned at the age of 80 reprising her role as La Sagouine.

"This is a true story. The story of La Sagouine, a scrubwoman, a woman of the sea, who was born with the century, with her feet in the water. Water was her fortune: the daughter of a cod fisherman, a sailor's girl, and later the wife of a fisherman who took oysters and smelts. A cleaning woman also, who ends up on all fours, with her bucket in front and her hands in the water." -Antonine Maillet

A long winding wood walkway leads to l’Île-aux-Puces – the location of a small replica fishing village. If you are L'Age d'Or, there are carts available for a chauffeured ride to the island. The cast invites guests into the buildings to hear the story of the washerwoman, La Sagouine.  Interacting in French or English (depending on the audience in front of them), the characters explain how they live, work, laugh, and most importantly, gossip about La Sagouine.

l’Île-aux-Puces

There are several music venues at the site. Each year several house bands are chosen to perform multiple daily shows. I saw the group Borlico perform a few years ago. 

Borlico performing at Le Bootlegger

Recently rebuilt after a fire is l’Ordre du Bon Temps. A large covered deck provides patrons an opportunity for outdoor dining while listening to local bands. 

The menu at La Sagouine offers traditional southeast New Brunswick Acadian food such as poutines and fricôt. A gift shop is available for something to remember your trip to Bouctouche.

S’amuser,

RG