by Élyse Gamache-Bélisle
The Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, the Théâtre de Quat’Sous or the Théâtre du Rideau Vert are all well known theatre venues in Montreal, but they’re by no means the only ones. The Montreal scene is highly diverse, as this list of altogether distinct theatres demonstrates!
The Espace Libre is, as its name suggests, a theatre that aims to be free in both thought and movement. To that end, this former fire station has become a veritable furnace of creativity, with its modular space as the spark. For over 35 years, this theatre has presented true theatrical adventures, boasting many memorable performances.
Located in the heart of the Villeray neighbourhood since 2001, the Théâtre aux Écuries was created a few years earlier following a joint initiative by seven emerging companies (Théâtre de la Pire Espèce, L’ACTIVITÉ, Festival du Jamais Lu, Théâtre du Grand Jour, Théâtre I.N.K., Magnifique Théâtre and Théâtre les Porteuses d’Aromates) that joined forces to expand their operations, amplify their efforts in support of other artists and enhance their relationship with the community. And it worked! The Écuries, for short, is a genuine creative hub, where doing things well and taking your time go hand-in-hand. In fact, several years are often allocated to the completion of a project... An artist's dream come true! And where the spectator is concerned, it’s all the more interesting for it.
"I do not see the point in creating theatre if we cannot meet this paramount condition: to play to the public. And moreover, to play to ALL of the public. Without discrimination as to age, gender, race or culture. Play to all. Full stop." says Denis Bernard, Artistic and General Manager of La Licorne that has stood out from the Montreal landscape since 1981. Now facing La Tulipe on Papineau Avenue, La Licorne was previously located on Saint Laurent Boulevard until 1989. It was the Manufacture Theatre Company that originally opened the theatre and continues to provide its artistic direction.
You want versatility? Theatre La Chapelle has it in spades! This multidisciplinary broadcast centre knows no limits. It presents theatre, contemporary dance performances, circus arts, music and even multidisciplinary works that are somewhat harder to define. Firmly grounded in its ‘Montréalité’ by dint of its very location, this theatre presents pieces in French, English and sometimes even both!
Since 1999, the MAI (Montreal Arts Interculturels) has acted as a central space for expression of Montreal's diversity, offering a curious public the opportunity to discover uncategorised, experimental, hybrid – in short: unpublished – intercultural arts. The venue consists of a theatre, gallery and café, with two recital rooms for the presentation of plays or interactive exhibitions, or occasionally a clever combination of the two.
When thinking of alternative theatre in Montreal, Usine C springs immediately to mind. Chosen in 1995 to meet the creative needs of CARBON 14, the theatre company created in 1980 by Gilles Maheu, Usine C has quickly become a go-to venue for original theatre expressed in unique form. In addition to theatre, the venue also offers dance, music, opera and media arts... so why limit your enjoyment?!
