Jonathan Morier

Committed to developing art therapy

Jonathan Morier, a student at the Université du Québec à Montréal, has two coinciding passions: theatre and psychology, two passions that could at first glance seem completely different but at closer range are in many respects not that far apart. And as he likes to point out, “the things I discover by exploring various aspects of this shifting reality enable me to gain a different perspective on human beings and the society they have built.”

When he arrived in Montréal at the age of 21 toting only a college degree in musical theatre, Jonathan Morier had already set his sights on the performing arts. And despite the fact that it’s not always easy for a young actor to carve out a place for himself in this field, Jonathan seized every opportunity, made every effort and was thus able to take part in numerous projects.

Then, despite his increasing success, Jonathan’s interest in psychology prompted him to enrol in a graduate program in psychology in 2007. According to Jonathan, the decision would enable him to “fulfil his need to heal the heart and soul of others through theatre and the mind through psychology.” Ever since, this combination, though it may seem unusual, is a source of inspiration that has led to innovative projects. His two passions have thus allowed him to focus his energy on helping relationships.

Involved among other things with the Society of Saint-Vincent de Paul in Montréal, Jonathan has presented more than 40 theatrical performances on the subject of student dropout at underprivileged schools on the Island of Montréal. And because young people are not the only ones in need of human kindness, he also offers musical performances at senior citizens homes.

He also gives of his time to Assistance d’enfants en difficulté, an organization co-founded by renowned paediatrician Dr. Gilles Julien. Thanks to its “Grands amis” program, he has developed a special friendship with a young boy experiencing special difficulties. Every week, the two friends take part in activities together and the young boy even had the chance to meet singer-songwriter Pierre Lapointe when Jonathan participated in one of his concerts. “Jonathan sets himself apart through his patience and spirit of initiative. He has proven to be a positive role model, guide and confidant for his young friend,” asserts Geneviève Houle, who is in charge of the program.

Jonathan describes himself as an organized person and is not afraid of challenges, managing to reconcile his studies, the theatre, social involvement, his friends and his love life. “I am ambitious but humble enough to call on the help of others.”

It was this humility that led him to found, with two of his friends, La Compagniterie, a theatre company which obtained a grant from the Fondation du maire de Montréal pour la jeunesse for their performance entitled Vole si bas.

Where will these two passions lead him next? It is hard to say but for Jonathan one thing is certain, young people will always be at the heart of his concerns and theatre at the heart of his actions. Art therapy or artistic psychology? “I continue to forge ahead, combining the two disciplines that fascinate me and, though they may seem poles apart, I have the feeling they are increasingly compatible,” the artist points out.

Jonathan Morier