Denise Boucher

Denise Boucher (1935–2025) was a pioneering feminist writer, poet, playwright, and lyricist from Quebec. Her groundbreaking play, Les fées ont soif (The Fairies Are Thirsty), challenged patriarchal and religious norms, sparking significant controversy and censorship attempts by the Catholic Church. Despite this, the play became a cornerstone of feminist theatre in Canada. Throughout her career, Boucher authored numerous works across various genres, including poetry collections like Paris Polaroïd (1990) and Grandeur nature (1993), as well as the rock opera Rose Ross (1983). She also wrote lyrics for prominent Quebecois musicians such as Pauline Julien and Gerry Boulet. In recognition of her contributions to literature and feminist discourse, Boucher received several awards, including the Prix des lecteurs du Marché de la poésie de Montréal in 2002 and the Prix Adagio in 2015.

Her legacy endures through her influential works and the impact she had on Canadian literature and feminist thought.