The Assembly invites audiences to tackle Canada’s climate and energy tensions
As climate change discussions become increasingly polarized, few spaces remain where people with opposing views are encouraged to truly engage with one another. This fall, Concordia and the Montreal-based theatre company Porte Parole are creating such a space.
On Wednesday, November 26, The Assembly – Energy in Canada will be presented at Concordia’s Hall Auditorium. The event is part of Canada Climate Week Xchange, an event that gathers political leaders, busineses, communities, researchers, artists and the public to discuss sustainable futures.
Known for documentary theatre that combines journalism, performance and civic dialogue, Porte Parole has received critical acclaim for productions such as Seeds, The Watershed and J’aime Hydro, presented at festivals and theatres in Canada and abroad.
The Assembly was co-created by the theatre company’s cofounders, Annabel Soutar, Alex Ivanovici and Brett Watson. The series invites activists, policymakers and industry professionals to share their opposing perspectives on urgent social issues. As the production travels to different cities, the creative team documents conversations between four strangers with diverse perspectives as they grapple with the issues that divide them. These discussions are then transformed into a script, and on stage, actors bring the real participants to life in performances distinct to each city.
This edition, Energy in Canada, examines how Canadians from different regions, sectors and worldviews engage with questions about the country’s energy transition.
Real stories, real dialogue
Two participants from the original recorded conversations will join the Concordia presentation for a post-show discussion: Kaella-Marie Earle, Anishinaabekwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Aroland First Nation, who is a chemical engineer-in-training at Enbridge Inc.; and Adam Scott, executive director of Shift: Action Plan for Pension Health and Planet Wealth, a non-profit that promotes climate-friendly investing.
“We’re thrilled to host Porte Parole’s performance on campus,” says Annie Gérin, dean of Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts. “The Assembly model uses theatre to bridge divides — it’s about hearing the real voices behind complex issues like energy transition and climate justice. That aligns perfectly with Concordia’s commitment to open debate, creativity and sustainability.”
“We want audiences to witness the difficulty, and the possibility, of dialogue,” says Soutar, who is also Porte Parole’s artistic director and a playwright. “The play doesn’t take sides; it puts real human beings in the same room and lets them struggle, laugh and sometimes surprise each other.”
The partnership between Porte Parole and Concordia reflects the university’s growing focus on climate literacy and creative engagement.
“Theatre can make policy debates personal,” notes Michael Bossert, manager, strategy, innovation and outreach of the Concordia Next-Generation Cities Institute. “It’s one thing to talk about carbon targets — it’s another to see how those conversations affect people’s values, families and livelihoods.”
Visit Porte Parole's ticketing partner to purchase or register for tickets.
Concordia students can receive free admission by selecting the “Concordia student” option when booking tickets online. A valid student card must be presented at the door. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
