Last year, Anglesh Major auditioned to play François Bellefeuille’s brother-in-law in Bad weather. Although he did not land the role, the actor has excellent memories of the experience. And not just because it was a casting colorblind.
Before going any further, let’s take a few lines to define ” casting colorblind” or “ casting without color” (in English, “ color-blind casting “). In the United States, this expression entered popular culture in 2005 when Grey’s Anatomy went on air. The creator of the popular medical soap opera, Shonda Rhimes, had removed every physical description of the characters from the first scripts, so that a wide range of actors and actresses could defend them, regardless of their ethnic origins.
In Quebec, this method is – even today – not very widespread.
In an interview, Anglesh Major proudly recounts his audition for Bad weather, this Radio-Canada comedy centered around a failed star veterinarian. After having distinguished himself in several dramas (I would like to be erased, King Dave, Larry, Cerebrum, One way ticket), the graduate of the UQAM École supérieure de théâtre (2017 vintage) was simply happy to finally be able to show another side: his comedic potential.
“And it’s not because they needed a Black person,” explains Marco’s interpreter in STAT.
PHOTO KARINE DUFOUR, PROVIDED BY RADIO-CANADA
François Bellefeuille and Éric Bernier in Bad weather
Anglesh Major says he had “a great audition”. Upon learning the identity of the actor selected to play businessman Jean-Philippe Bélanger, he even felt “honored” to have participated in the process. Because he admitted defeat in front of Éric Bernier, a comedy pro, as evidenced by his victories at the Gémeaux, for All on menotably.
I feel like I won a medal. Because I already played with Eric [Bernier] at the theatre. I know what he can do. He is an extremely talented person.
Anglesh Major
Doubts
At the start of his career, Anglesh Major had a complicated relationship with the targeted audition, the one for which only black actors were called to play a character whose cultural heritage was in no way taken into account. Even though he had the required skills and experience, Anglesh Major often suffered from imposter syndrome when thrust into such an environment.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Anglesh Major today approaches the auditions in which he takes part with confidence.
When I arrive at an audition and I see my black friends coming out, even though we are completely different, we don’t have the same energy at all, I’m like: “OK, they really made an offer for all black people in Montreal.”
Anglesh Major
Over the years, Anglesh Major has managed to banish his doubts. Today, he arrives at auditions much calmer and more confident. With his well-rounded CV, he knows he deserves his place, no matter the situation.
PHOTO DANNY TAILLON, PROVIDED BY RADIO-CANADA
Patrick Emmanuel Abellard plays Patrick Grimard in Plan B.
But finishing second, third or fourth remains disappointing, especially when you feel like you did well. Anglesh Major experienced this type of emotion when auditioning to play Patrick Grimard, Anne-Élisabeth Bossé’s police sidekick in Plan B. In the end, Patrick Emmanuel Abellard took on the role. And as always, no explanation was given to the finalist.
Sometimes, Anglesh Major would like to know why his application was not accepted. But more often than not, this desire ends up passing.
“I could go get the information, but after that, what would that bring me? It could be for all kinds of reasons… “It’s too big.” “It’s not big enough.” “He doesn’t have enough followers on Instagram…” If I were to find out why, I would be afraid of being embittered by the profession. »
A political choice
Of Haitian origin, Anglesh Major says he refused a few small roles to fight against certain prejudices. He gives the example of a series in which they wanted him to play “a pimp who rapes and drugs girls”.
“I gave him the benefit of the doubt and asked a few questions about the character: “But what becomes of him? What is he?” They told me: “No, no. That’s just it.” »
When I play a role, in spite of myself, it becomes a political choice. If I agree to play this character or this type of role, that means that I still accept that black men are perceived like that.
Anglesh Major
“What I do can influence a community. I’am aware. Sometimes I think it’s just about me, but when I see people on the street, when they come up to me, I realize what an example I can be for them. »
A boxer
When asked what type of role he would dream of being called to audition for, Anglesh Major replied – after just a few seconds of thought – an athlete or “any character that requires high level physical fitness “. Like Hollywood actors who play Marvel superheroes, he would like to follow rigorous training, the kind that requires not only hundreds of hours in the gym, but also a strict diet.
“It’s a challenge that would interest me. To play a boxer, for example. I imagine that once your body is shaped, you should have an easier time finding the state of mind that comes with it. »
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Anglesh Major would like to play a character who requires him to undergo rigorous training.
Anglesh Major will slip another allusion to the boxer during our interview. She appears a few minutes later, explaining how he manages to overcome a professional disappointment, a refusal following an audition.
“We can handle it, but I don’t feel like we can get used to it.” It’s a bit like a boxer taking hits. Some hurt more than others. When you get one, you have to take it and move on. »
This is called manifesting a desire.
His history
Anglesh Major
Hearing
Bad weather
Role
Jean-Philippe Bélanger (obtained by Éric Bernier)
Years of broadcast
2023-today
“It’s rare that I get the chance to audition for comedic roles. And yet, in life, I am very comical. My best friends, they know. When they see me on TV, they’re like, “You’re so serious, man.” If only people knew…”