"CAPTURING THE MOMENT": THE TNM AS SEEN BY YVES RENAUD, THEATRE PHOTOGRAPHER

The exhibition recaps the career of Yves Renaud, an exceptional artist and sharp-eyed observer who, for more than 20 years, has been capturing highlights of the on-stage action at the TNM. Theatre may be the art of the ephemeral, but CAPTURING THE MOMENT preserves its poignant moments, brings back memories of beloved productions, honours characters portrayed by great actors, and allows us to take the time to admire innovative sets and beautiful costumes.

50 portraits covering 20 years of history

The exhibition comprises 52 large-format photographs of 43 TNM productions of plays by the likes of Molière, Shakespeare, Chekhov and Claude Gauvreau, as well as original productions of works by Michel Marc Bouchard. It is a particular pleasure to see actors such as Patrice Robitaille (Cyrano de Bergerac, Le Retour and Huis clos), Rémy Girard (Les Joyeuses Commères de Windsor and Ubu roi), Anne-Marie Cadieux (La Dame aux camélias and HA Ha!...), Isabelle Blais (La Nuit des rois), Sébastien Ricard (Les Manuscrits du déluge and Richard III), Benoît McGinnis (Hamlet) and Marc Béland (Pelléas et Mélisande, L’Asile de la pureté, Et Vlan! dans la gueule and HA Ha!...), Sylvie Drapeau (La Locandiera, L’Imprésario de Smyrne, Richard III)..

Mr. Renaud’s camera has also captured the work of several directors who have often worked with the TNM, including Serge Denoncourt (Cyrano de Bergerac, Les Trois Mousquetaires, Christine, la reine-garçon and La Divine Illusion), Lorraine Pintal (L’Hiver en force, Les Beaux Dimanches, L’Asile de la pureté, Andromaque, Don Juan, La Charge de l’orignal épormyable, Huis clos and Le Journal d’Anne Frank), Yves Desgagnés, (L’École des femmes, La Nuit des rois, Les Bas-fonds, Les Joyeuses Commères de Windsor, L’Importance d’être Constant, Le Retour and La Mouette), René Richard Cyr (Beaucoup de bruit pour rien; Elizabeth, roi d’Angleterre), Denis Marleau (L’Histoire du roi Lear) and François Girard (Le Procès, En attendant Godot).

“The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is an ideal location for the TNM, as a theatrical institution, to celebrate its 65^th anniversary. The Promenade des Artistes is well suited to creating a fun and festive experience. The TNM, in collaboration with the Partnership, is excited to present an exhibition of photographs of some of its most memorable productions as seen by photographer Yves Renaud, a remarkable artist who has used his talent in service to the art of the theatre for more than 20 years,” said Lorraine Pintal, executive and artistic director of the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde.

“It is an honour and a pleasure to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of the TNM, one of the founding partners in the Quartier des Spectacles project, and a leading institution in Montreal’s thriving cultural life. As they stroll the Promenade des Artistes, Montrealers will discover and rediscover great moments in Quebec theatre, and participate in a well-earned celebration of the TNM, the theatre, its artists and our cultural scene,” said Jacques Primeau, chair of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership’s board of directors.

ANNEX – ARTISTS AND PRODUCTION OF PLAYS OF THE EXHIBITION CAPTURING THE MOMENT

Alongside the exhibition, a commemorative book of 100 photographs is being published. Fixer l’instant : le Théâtre du Nouveau Monde vu par Yves Renaud was designed by Compagnie et cie and published by Les éditions du passage. The photographs were selected by Yves Renaud and Loui Mauffette of the TNM. The book will be available from bookstores and at the TNM starting September 21.

Credits

Concept and design: Théâtre du Nouveau Monde
A production of the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde and the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

ABOUT THE THÉÂTRE DU NOUVEAU MONDE

The TNM, located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, produces major plays from the international and Canadian repertories and gives pride of place to original productions of new works. This role, a hallmark of the theatre since its inception in 1951, has been strengthened under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Lorraine Pintal, the theatre’s executive and artistic director since the fall of 1992. Audiences have the privilege of seeing the work of immense talents – directors, designers, actors – driven by a contemporary vision of the full gamut of theatrical tradition. From Molière, Koltès, Shakespeare and Michel Tremblay to Euripides, Racine, Goldoni, Pirandello, Claudel, Chekhov, Kafka, Brecht, Beckett and Botho Strauss; from antiquity to the 21^st century, from the universal classics to the great Québécois plays: at the TNM, every work is given an inspired interpretation grounded in today’s realities. The TNM’s recent history is characterized by the return of a certain sense of theatrical modernity and a flair for the festive, developments that have helped it reach a very wide audience.

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES

The Quartier des Spectacles is Montreal’s cultural heart, boasting North America’s most concentrated and diverse group of cultural venues. The district is the year-round host to countless festivals and events, many of which include free outdoor shows and activities.

The Quartier hosts innovative urban installations involving cutting-edge lighting design, immersive environments or interactive digital spaces. Year round, the Quartier presents artistic video projections on several buildings. The Quartier des Spectacles is an international showcase for new multimedia technology, making Montreal a global leader in the urban exhibition of digital content.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Yves Renaud photos: https://we.tl/IS2z6thEEt
Photos of the exhibition in the public space by Martine Doyon: https://we.tl/WRugOfYWSA

Media enquiries

Marie Lamoureux | marie.lamoureux@quartierdesspectacles.com | 514 923-6772