NTS at the Centaur - A First

Tales from Ovid, first staged in February by the graduating class of 2004, will have its world premiere on the main stage of Montréal’s Centaur Theatre on March 8, 2005. This is an historical initiative launched between the Centaur Theatre Company, the National Theatre School of Canada, and alumnus Chris Abraham (Directing, 1995). Gordon McCall, the Centaur’s Artistic and Executive Director, has been involved in the project’s development from the outset, and this collaborative effort would not have been possible without his faith and vision in the potential of young and emerging artists.

Written by Ted Hughes, directed by Chris Abraham, and adapted by Chris and the Artistic Company of the NTS, Tales from Ovid, will be performed by the School’s 2004 Acting graduates who will return to Montréal in the spring of 2005 to incarnate the gods, goddesses, and mere mortals drawn from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

The School Goes to the Opera

April 8, 9, and 10, 2005, will see the National Theatre School teamed up with the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal in their production of Dido and Aeneas at the Monument-National. It is one of the many new events announced for the Opéra de Montréal’s 25th anniversary season. This is not a one-shot deal, but rather a long-term agreement between the two organizations, offering NTS students in the Technical Production and Set and Costume Design programs a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in another performing arts environment. The Atelier lyrique gains in the mix by performing in the stately Ludger-Duvernay Theatre, complete with technical assistance and design collaboration. All the creative elements are in place for a long and successful run. This is a first-time ever association with the Opéra de Montréal!

Simon Brault at the Canada Council for the Arts

Simon Brault, Director General of the School since 1997, was named Vice-Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts by the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage. Among his many accomplishments that helped prepare him for this new position, Simon Brault was instrumental in initiating the Journées de la culture, and in June 2002, during the Sommet de Montréal, he was head of a cultural delegation. He is also a founding member and first elected president of Culture Montréal.

On March 30, Simon Brault was the guest speaker at a Perspectives Tendances conference organized by the Montréal Board of Trade, where he emphasized the lead role government agencies must play in the advancement of culture. In keeping with his role as Director of the School, he encouraged the audience to pay particular attention to young and emerging artists, who will define the culture of the future. The complete speech is posted on www.cultureMontréal.ca.

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