Our mission
Visible, dynamic, proactive, inclusive, viable, and solitaire, the COFRD serves the French community by offering a variety of programs and services responding to the needs of the community.
In the heart of the francophone community of Durham, the COFRD works towards the development, and assures the vitality of the French community.
We are located at:
Contact: Elaine Legault, General Manager
Services available at COFRD
Services provided in or through our office:
A French employment Center at 57, Simcoe Rd. South, office 2H.
A branch of the Librairie du Centre where French books, CDs, DVDs, dictionariesand more are available. Please acknowledge that it is the only place in the Durham region that sells many French products for all ages.
Magazines including; Elle, Coup de pouce, Femme plus, Géoplainair, l'actualité etc. can be borrowed free of charge.
Cultural season 2010-2011
Here are our cultural presentations for the 2010-2011 season. For more information or to buy tickets, please contact our office at (905)-434-7676
Elvis, Sinatra, Cash: Eric Quentin
Eric Quentin productions put on the greatest hits from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Frank Sinatra. Presented at The Northern Portugual Cultural Centre
Martin Deschamps, September 25, 2010
Martin Deschamps is back with his new show “Le piano et la voix (The Piano and the voice)”. He reaches back into his repertoire of songs, including some from his new CD, to give us a night of laughter, love and emotion.
Brian St-Pierre, October 16th, 2010
Well known for his French ontarien songs, Brian St-Pierre returns once again with his new show “Soirée du bon vieux temps (A night of the good old times)”. Known for the megashow, Echo d’un peuple, Brian brings us back in time to a family reunion just like when you were a kid with this interactive, family friendly show.
Danny Bourdreau with opening act: Marie-Philippe Bergeron, October 30th, 2010
Danny Boudreau returns again with his new show “Mes legends (My legends)”. A very proud Acadian, he pays tribute to all of the Acadian poets, singers and songwriters. These songs and poems can be heard all throughout his new show.
Marie-Philippe Bergeron is a newcomer on the scene. Originally from New Brunswick, her show tells her vision on life and the universe around us. A gentle voice, catchy rhythms, texts inbodied with emotions and a touch of humor, an artist to discover!
Les Giselles, December 10th, 2010
With an infectious energy and wild rhythms, Les Giselles will keep you dancing all night. Starring Pandora Topp and a brass section, these artists will be performing a repertoire of artists like Mitsou, Niagara, Les Ritas Mitsouko, Jean Leloup, Compagnie Créole, Dalida, Joe Dassin, Nanette Workman and Céline Dion and many others.
Les Chiclettes, February 26th, 2011
Hugette, Simone, and Vivie leave Wawa, Ontario to take their chances in New York City! In an original production where we jump between singing and dancing, these three girls, sugary sweet and sometimes even a little spicy, celebrate women in all their colors. This show will make you laugh and cry…at the same time. Interpretated by Nathalie Nadon, Geneviève Cholette and Julie Kim, to the style of the Andrew’s Sisters, it’s sure to be a great night.
Fridolinades, April 9th, 2011
Before Ground, before the humorists, there was Fridolin, this kid of the streets that says out loud what everyone thinks in quiet. With his mischievous smile, he explores the morals of a society in crisis in the form of wacky skits, parodies and satires. Let's revisit the origin of the theatrical tradition, which Gratien Gélinas had understood formerly: that laughter is the best cure to the darkness!
Découvertes 2011
Découvertes is a French singing competition showcasing the talent of Durham’s youth in every age category. Découvertes 2011 will be held Sunday the 27th of February at the Parish hall 384 Hillside Ave. Oshawa.
Community Theater
D’la visite pas reposante by André Lacroix
Friday the 26th, Saturday the 27th, and Sunday the 28th of November 2010
École Saint Charles Garnier
Synopsis:
In the early hours of the morning, a space ship that we thought to be a meteor, crashes and an alien takes refuge un a young couple garage. The couple and their friends soon find out that life on Gatonie is very different from Earth. The police chief, a little slow, works to find Clovis but all sorts of wacky adventures will make it so he will find anything. All we can say is you won’t believe your ears.
Cast:
Clovis Marcoux: Denise Secours
Julien Ranger: Jean-Claude Legault
Françoise Ranger: Lise Gauthier
René: Jean-Pierre Tallec
Jacqueline: Liliane Graham-Greig
Police Chief: Marjolaine Duguay