Starring in your favorite play is surely a rare moment in a career. Actress Mylène Mackay will experience this at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert in star trails, a work by the American Cindy Lou Johnson.
“It remains my favorite play for life,” reveals the one who played Nelly Arcan in the cinema in an interview. There are sentences that you don’t forget. It is a memorable text. The author has an absolutely moving pen. »
The 30-year-old discovered this work some 15 years ago while studying at the National Theater School in a class taught by Pierre Bernard, who directs this production.
“I never thought I’d play her one day,” she says. When he called me to offer me the part, I replied with a big yes! »
A second time
Pierre Bernard knows this work like the back of his hand because he directed the first Quebec version, translated by Maryse Warda, at the Théâtre de Quat’Sous in 1992. Luc Picard and Sylvie Drapeau performed the duo on stage.
“Small adjustments have been made, but the essence is the same,” notes Mylène Mackay. What will change is viewer perception. »
This camera shows two skinned beings meeting at a remote Alaskan cabin during a snowstorm and will resonate in the hearts of the public locked down with COVID-19, the actress believes.
“I play a woman with anger, openness and clarity, giving words to her wandering state and inner loneliness,” she continues. Although the subject matter is strong and emotionally charged, it is a poetic and humorous fable. »
A big change
Émile Schneider was set to play the role of the winner of six Gémeaux awards but withdrew in early April due to ill health. Maxim Gaudette therefore took his place.
“There is a storm in the play and in the production too,” says the actress, laughing. It seems to lie in the karma of this work, because shortly before its premiere in New York 33 years ago, the main actor also had to resign. And at the Quat’Sous, the play was performed at full speed a few years later, having taken the place of another show. »
However, Mylène Mackay is undeterred by this unforeseen event. “We roll up our sleeves and find solutions,” she says. The scene is adrenaline, a mix of fear and excitement. »
♦ Star trails will be presented at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert from May 9th to June 10th.