In the series IndefensibleMichel Laperrière and you are very credible in your roles as lawyers. Who did you draw inspiration from and how did you prepare for this role? – Jocelyn Michaud
The series is the work of lawyer Richard Dubé, who was a criminal lawyer for over 40 years. After his years of practice, he wrote the series with Izabel Chevrier. We were fortunate to be coached by Richard Dubé. We learned how to make an objection, how to plead, how to find the best way to convince jurors and ask questions. He gave us several tips, and it was very useful to us. Unfortunately, he passed away on January 6.
If you could go back in time, would you have become a lawyer? What other job would you have liked to do? – Marcel Lambert
Actor! It allows me to play all the jobs in the world, that’s what’s great! I was able to be a hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens, a boxing champion, a chocolatier, a lawyer, a policeman. The only role I haven’t played is that of a doctor! And yet, I come from a family of doctors, but I didn’t have the scientific skills to become one. My father is a doctor, as are my brother and my sister-in-law. At 17, when I first bowed on stage, it was clear in my head that I would be an actor.
What role from the classical repertoire would you like to play? – Carole Morissette
I have dreamed for a long time of playing The Cid by Corneille. I auditioned twice, but I didn’t get the role, and it won’t be possible to play it anymore since I’m too old to play Le Cid! When I was at drama school at Lionel-Groulx College, I had great pleasure in playing Titus in the play Berenice by Racine. A very difficult role, in form, because you have to speak in Alexandrines, but also difficult because it is a question of political issues. This role was one of my greatest prides.
I wonder what Sébastien Delorme and his character, Léo Macdonald, have in common? – Danielle Lapointe
They have rigor in common. The filming ofIndefensible are held every day, it requires total commitment. It’s eight months where I don’t have much respite, just like a defense lawyer who can be called at any time! I can’t imagine what it must be like to study law and learn the Criminal Code by heart! I shoot all week and weekends, I learn my lines, four hours on Saturday, and four hours on Sunday so it takes discipline. I am also passionate about my work, just like Léo Macdonald, with the desire to be the best and to give the best of yourself.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
For Sébastien Delorme, rigor is what brings him closest to his character Léo Macdonald in Indefensible.
Is it difficult for you when you finish a dramatic scene to get out of character? – F. Favreau
No, not at all. You don’t bring the characters home. You don’t have to live with the character. You play a character, you’re convincing, but after crying in a scene, you can make jokes right after with your colleagues.
How do actors learn all these lines? Are there any tricks to memorizing them? – Louis Lafortune
It takes time! I transcribe the texts in the margin. Writing them down makes them stick in my memory. I hire a tutor to make me repeat my entire week. I also developed a system of pictograms, which I use as reference points! My texts are filled with little drawings that are my codes! There are words that come up often, like courthouse, and I’m going to draw a little palace, prison, it’s going to be a drawing of bars. I came across a book by a Japanese artist where he told his story in pictograms and I loved it. There are about a hundred pages of texts to learn per week, and everything that involves trials, pleadings and cross-examinations, I have to prepare them well, to arrive confidently in front of the whole team.
What role would you have liked to play? – Nancy Champagne
None. There are a lot of disappointments in this profession, and I don’t like to project myself. I’m very down to earth. I appreciate the work of other actors. I saw Guy Nadon play Cyrano de Bergerac and it was a lesson in acting. His performance was masterful. What a performance, he’s a great actor.
Do you still cycle and does it help you relax while learning your lines? – Ginette Larin
Cycling has accompanied me throughout my life. It does me good, physical activity has always been important. I have rehearsed texts many times on my bike, and it is very practical for getting your breath back. Cycling allows you to combine breathing and intellect. I discovered this at drama school, I used to cycle while rehearsing classical texts and it was very beneficial. Acting is not just mental, it is also about involving the body, it allows you to really inhabit your text and be natural. You can also wash the dishes and vacuum while learning your text or walk down the street and that is why you look weird, because it gives the impression that you are talking to yourself!