The artistic director of the Prospero Theater, Philippe Cyr, unveiled his very first season program this Wednesday.
Posted at 5:15 p.m.
The one who has been in post for a year with his predecessor Carmen Jolin says he had carte blanche to develop this 2022-23 season. “There is not a single linear thread that unites this programming,” he says. I rather wanted a season where ideas and aesthetics collide. It will be like a roller coaster that will take us through multiple experiences. That’s what I like ! »
He continues: “I also had as a priority to establish a dialogue between the theater and the neighborhood community. The Prospero is at the heart of the Village. I wanted to offer in particular a beautiful line of works that stick to the queer and LGBTQ theme. »
To initiate this dialogue, the season opens with an ambulatory show entitled Walking: Holding where the spectator (only one at a time) is invited to discover the neighborhood by taking turns holding hands with six people with very different profiles in terms of cultural origin, sexual orientation or social background. “Holding a stranger by the hand is a very digressive gesture after this pandemic,” said Philippe Cyr.
Another stated desire of the artistic director (who also works as co-director general): to open the door to 100% Quebec creations. This decision contrasts with what was done previously in the institution on rue Ontario Est, which was more versed in foreign texts. “There are strong scenic writings in Quebec, specific positions, intelligent aesthetic and formal approaches that must be presented within our walls. I want a dialogue to take place between contemporary foreign texts and those from Quebec. »
Philippe Cyr adds that he paid special attention to the next generation in his programming. “This group has been hit hard by the pandemic and we want to support them, in particular through residency programs. »
Big names alongside emerging artists
In the main hall, it is Miss Agnes which opens the ball. This contemporary adaptation of Misanthrope by Molière stars Sylvie Drapeau in the role of an ex-writer who has become a critic and whose abrasive verve grazes her loved ones as well as the artists who cross her path. Louis-Karl Tremblay is directing this play by German Rebekka Kricheldorf, which brings together eight performers including Éric Bernier, Stéphanie Cardi and Nathalie Claude. From September 27 to October 15.
Will follow from 1er november Declarations, from a text by queer artist and activist Jordan Tannahill translated by Fanny Britt. Five performers directed by choreographer Mélanie Demers will offer their spontaneous gestures to embody short declarations composing the fabric of a life.
From January 24 to February 11, the room On the appearance of bones in the body, by Gabriel Plante, will feature performers Amélie Dallaire and Gabriel-Antoine Roy. The staging will be provided by Félix-Antoine Boutin.
A dozen playwrights from the Francophonie gathered their pens to write the play If you want lightcontemporary rewriting of Goethe’s Faust presented from 1er to March 11. Florent Siaud is responsible for the staging and artistic conception of this ambitious show, which notably brings together on stage Francis Ducharme, Sophie Cadieux and Dominique Quesnel.
As of March 28, Philippe Cyr, who had directed the play I love Hydrowill find his accomplice Christine Beaulieu for the play Unbearable long embraces, by Ivan Viripaev. Marc Beaupré, Joanie Guérin and Simon Lacroix will complete the cast.
Finally, Cédric Delorme-Bouchard will direct the science fiction play The employees, adapted from the novel by the Danish Olga Ravn. Five performers will share a stage inhabited by the voices of 15 other artists. From April 27 to May 6.
In the intimate room, the shows The guardian of the children, noli, big guy, To cut and fists follow one another throughout the season.