Philippe-Audrey Larrue-St-Jacques invited striking teachers to take part in his show for free Child of the century Saturday at the Hector-Charland Theater in L'Assomption. Moved by the evening, the 36-year-old comedian paid tribute to her in a touching message on Facebook on Monday afternoon.
• Also read: FAE continues strike to 'make a difference in the daily lives of teachers and students'
More than a hundred teachers accepted his invitation. Philippe-Audrey Larrue-St-Jacques even had to turn down some requests.
The comedian spoke emotionally about his unique experience on Facebook:
“Hello Facebook,
Last Saturday I had the opportunity and pleasure to invite several teachers to strike. Naively, I believed that only a few dozen professors would be interested in my invitation.
Ultimately, it was a tidal wave that amazed me as much as it touched my heart. In fact, I had to reluctantly decline the hundreds of requests I received.
I still don't know how to apologize, but I promise you creativity to find a way to do it.
Yet something extremely powerful and moving happened on Saturday evening.
To welcome the guests, 650 people, the entire hall, spontaneously stood up to give the hundred professors present a standing ovation. It's honestly one of the most moving moments I've ever experienced. Dear teachers, it was a blatant, sincere and direct demonstration of the support and respect that the population has for your profession and your sacrifices.
I'm glad I could invite you. But I'm even prouder to be part of a population that doesn't give in to the nagging approaches that drain you and weaken your strength.”
The comedian also wanted to share an anecdote about Albert Camus, who owes a lot to his teacher M. Germain.
“As I left the stage, I read the letter that Albert Camus wrote to M. Germain, his former teacher, when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957.
[Pour la petite histoire, Camus est issu d’un milieu plus que modeste de l’Algérie française. Son père est mort à la guerre avant qu’il ne le connaisse et sa mère était une ménagère qui ne savait ni lire, ni écrire. Autrement dit, Camus aurait dû rester dans les caniveaux de l’existence. Cependant, un professeur, Monsieur Germain, a décelé chez lui un talent inouï. Il l’a pris sous son aile et a tout fait pour lui offrir le destin que ses origines ne pouvaient lui offrir. Il a convaincu la mère de Camus d’inscrire le petit Albert à des concours de bourses afin qu’il accède aux meilleures écoles du pays et… on connaît la suite.]
Camus is the absolute success of what school should be: a place of learning, discovery and emancipation. A professor changed the life of one of the greatest authors the world has ever known and he will say it was just his work… Like all the professors I know!
We are not all Camus. But we have all known Mr. or Mrs. Germain who changed us.
What you do is too important for all of us.
We don't forget it.
Courage!”
thank you very much
As part of his publication, many teachers thanked him for his generosity.
“Thank you again! It was a more than perfect evening! When I read your message, my feelings came back and the fact that you paid us this tribute touched our hearts. Seeing people stand up for us, support each other “To feel and to receive a special invitation that allowed me to spend a good time with my son, all this is priceless. Thank you very much,” wrote Mélany Lozon.
“An evening full of laughter, but above all, full of beauty and truth. I am at a loss for words; the feeling was so strong. You, the room… that had never happened to me in 26 years as a teacher. Thank you, Philippe Audrey. Thank you very much,” emphasized Claudie Lewis.
“Thank you for taking the time to write this message. Thank you for pointing out that people in the room stood up to applaud my colleagues, it brought tears to my eyes. Yes, we love our job, yes, we miss the kids, yes, we are exhausted, and yes, we find it long to be on the road, but we know why we keep going. As a teacher who has been in the service for 31 years and is still in office, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart!” added Julie Montreuil.
Emotional viewers also wanted to thank the comedian.
“It was so touching!!! I came out with wet eyes! I already had my tickets and was there with a friend, also an FAE teacher!!! Thank you for this loving attention and for recognizing the impact of teachers on the lives of our students!” emphasized Josée Garceau.
“I was there this Saturday and as you talked about teachers and their importance in young people's lives, I started thinking about my primary school teachers. And who do I see when I leave the theater? My kindergarten teacher! What a coincidence. Thank you for this good and nice conversation,” commented Maryléna Bussières.
Philippe-Audrey Larrue-Saint-Jacques will tour with his show Child of the Century in 2024. All details can be found here.