Exclusive Interview: Fabienne Thibeault in Siem Reap, emblematic voice of the Francophonie, messenger of a universal culture

During the weekend at the Village de la Francophonie 2025 in Siem Reap, Fabienne Thibeault, an emblematic figure of francophone song, gave a warm and emotional interview.

Fabienne Thibeault

With expressive finesse and wisdom gained over the years, she shared her artistic journey, her commitment to the francophonie, as well as her amazement at the cultural richness of Cambodia.

Fabienne, you are well known for your pivotal role in the rock opera Starmania. What impact did this mythical work have on your life and career?

Starmania was truly a major turning point. I played Marie-Jeanne, the waitress automaton, whose songs Le Monde est stone and Un garçon pas comme les autres became anthems. Created by Michel Berger and written by Luc Plamondon, this musical fresco was a huge success starting in 1978, launching my career on the international stage.

This role gave me the opportunity to represent francophone culture strongly and emotionally in many countries, especially in France, Switzerland, Belgium, but also in Japan and francophone Africa.

This artistic adventure deeply marked my commitment: music became a bridge between cultures, a universal language that transcends borders.

Since then, I have continued my career exploring my Québécois roots, while maintaining an independent approach to creating and releasing my own works.

Your attachment to the francophonie is deep. What inspires you about this linguistic and cultural community?

The francophonie goes beyond just language. It is an identity, a melting pot of knowledge, diverse cultures, and an open space to the world. My French origins, mingled with my Québécois experience, sensitized me early to the complexity of a fragile language facing Anglo-Saxon dominance.

Yet, the institutional francophonie, despite its beautiful diplomatic ambitions, sometimes lacks human warmth. That is where artists come into play: we breathe life, true speech, and boldness where it is needed. Song, theater, literature carry this fundamental role, that of connecting beings beyond words.

I firmly believe in this power, which is why I chose to become a humble and active cultural ambassador of this plural and dynamic francophonie.

How has your personal journey nourished this passion for the francophonie and intercultural exchanges?

I was born in 1952 in Québec, in a purely francophone environment, with roots in Normandy and Charlevoix, where I grew up with a taste for heritage and traditions. My university education in educational sciences, completed by a strong inclination towards literature, strengthened my critical and open view of the world.

By mixing my musical experiences with the discovery of various francophone territories, whether Québec, France, or Africa, I learned that the French language also constituted a vector of cultural renewal everywhere.

Unlike English, which can sometimes be hegemonic, I see French as a diplomatic language and a true space for exchange, capable of embracing the diversity of cultures and identities. This richness fuels my commitment today.

Cambodia is a country marked by a tragic history. What impressions did you feel when coming here for the first time?

Cambodia’s past, especially the dark years of the régime des Khmers rouges, has always moved me deeply. Born in an era of peaceful claims and social protests, I was sensitive to this tragic history that marked the country. What also struck me was the resilience and vitality of its people.

In Montréal, part of my youth was influenced by the presence of Southeast Asian immigrants, reflecting a hardworking community deeply attached to its culture and profoundly humane.

This connection created between music and traditional gesture transcends cultural barriers to speak directly to the heart. It was moving, tears in the eyes, a communion in art embodying resilience and feminine grace, a magnificent tribute transcending all differences.

Is a collaboration project with Cambodian artists planned?

Absolutely. The idea of recording and creating a show with local artists excites me greatly. Initial exchanges have taken place with Sochhata, a young talented singer who translated a verse of Les uns contre les autres into Khmer.

We also plan to adapt some pieces from Starmania in this language, which would be a wonderful bridge between our cultures. It would open unprecedented prospects for artistic dialogue and strengthen the imprint of the francophonie in Cambodia. It is a project in the making, and I am optimistic about its future.

What are your feelings about Cambodia’s cultural and culinary particularities?

Khmer cuisine enchanted me. It carries great authenticity; I truly appreciated the quality of the products, the subtlety of spices, and especially the connection to nature that this gastronomy embodies. This contact with local cuisine enriches even more my experience of this magnificent country.

Beyond music and culture, what do you take away from your stay in Siem Reap?

It is above all the human encounter that will remain engraved in my memory: the softness of smiles, genuine politeness, but also the strength and pride of a people looking to the future with hope.

The patrimonial richness, the beauty of the landscapes, and the spiritual depth all compose a vibrant picture of a Cambodia in full renaissance.

This balance between tradition and modernity is an example for us all. I leave inspired and with a heart filled with new energy, happy to have contributed to this moment of exchange between cultures.

In conclusion, a message for the young generations discovering the francophonie?

The francophonie is a fascinating universe, a space where a thousand stories, languages, and identities coexist. It is a vector of peace, sharing, and creation. I would say to cherish it, to live it with boldness and love, for it grows through all of us. Music, theater, writing are powerful weapons to build bridges between peoples.

Engage, express yourselves, and above all, listen to the voices of the world, for the francophonie is a hymn to diversity and openness. May this language be for you a springboard for discovery and mutual respect.​