Michel Barrette Opens Up About His Burnout Experience
Michel Barrette, the renowned storyteller and comedian, has confirmed his return to the stage following a brief retirement. His upcoming show, titled “Drôle depuis 1957,” is set to debut in February 2026, with preliminary performances beginning in December.
Overcoming Burnout
In a candid discussion on QUB radio, Barrette shared his experiences with burnout. He revealed that immense professional fatigue led him to announce his retirement a few years back. “There were moments when I thought, ‘This is unbearable; I need a break.’ Eventually, I took the bold step to retire,” he recalled during the interview with Mario Dumont on 99.5 FM Montréal.
The comedian detailed moments of emotional struggle, mentioning how he once found himself crying in his car on the A-20 highway early in the morning. “If that’s not burnout, I’m not sure what is,” he added. His wife played a significant role in helping him to slow down and reassess his career path.
New Approach to Work
Barrette expressed his excitement about returning to the stage while implementing a new work-life balance. He outlined a deal with his wife to prioritize joy in his profession. This means he will limit his performances to a maximum of 25 shows per year, and his tours will not exceed two years.
- Upcoming show: Drôle depuis 1957
- Start of tour: December 2025 (preliminary performances)
- Official debut: February 2026
- Maximum performances per year: 25
- Tour duration: Up to 2 years
The new show will feature unique anecdotes from Barrette, along with comments aimed at the baby boomer generation. As he prepares to take the stage again, the comedian looks forward to sharing his stories with audiences while maintaining his well-being.
For more updates on Michel Barrette’s journey and upcoming shows, stay tuned to El-Balad.
