Le patronage et le théâtre

Saint-Laurent de la Plaine has a very special cultural venue: "Le Théâtre des Rêveries". Its revolving stage can accommodate up to 3 sets. In the 144-seat theatre, local and outside troupes put on shows throughout the year.

Yesterday's patronage gave birth to today's Théâtre des Rêveries.

The "patro" was a popular education society registered with the Union d'Anjou, attended by young people from Saint-Laurent.
Its first activities were theatre (photo 1), music (header photo) and gymnastics (photo 2). The patronage room was the children's regular meeting place. They performed sketches, watched films and played treasure hunts. Conferences were also organised there.
- In 1912, the mayor invited René Bazin to talk about his recent trip to Canada. Mr Gros, professor of agriculture at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest, came to present the Maine-Anjou breed. He explained "How can we improve our stables by choosing good breeds of animal?

- In 1912, the patronage was behind the creation of a "Caisse Rurale", which has now become "Crédit Mutuel", to provide services to farmers and workers in the commune.

- In the 1940s, "La Société d'Education Populaire" became "Espérance". Maurice Perrault proposed a modern crest, with "E.S.L." on the top band, with the anchor and the colour green (the sign of hope) (photo 3).

- A new activity was launched in 1942: basketball, initially at the quarry, then later on the station pitch. The shooting section, created in 1911, joined the French Shooting Federation in 1945. The stands were set up at the quarry in November 1969. "L'Espérance tir" had its moment of glory when Gérard Dénécheau took part in the Munich Olympic Games in 1972, in the 50-metre pistol shooting event.

Until the 2000s, the patronage hall was used for parties and variety shows for children, young people and the elderly.

In the 1990s, the troupe decided to give itself a personal identity by naming itself "Le Théâtre des Rêveries" (photo 4). The name was chosen in reference to the Chemin des Rêveries opposite.