What could be better than a souvenir book to delve into the 75-year history of the Théâtre du Rideau vert, this institution on Rue Saint-Denis that can boast of having launched it sisters-in-law to the Quebecers? This is what the book offers The theater of Curtain Green – An early role in the story.
Denise Filiatrault has been artistic director of the Théâtre du Rideau vert since 2004 and Céline Marcotte its general director since 2008. Together they tell countless anecdotes about the establishment, which was founded by two women in 1948 and has become a monument to our history. Quebec culture.
“For me, the Théâtre du Rideau Vert is a jewel. “There is a genuine relationship between the actors and the audience, especially because there are only 400 seats,” says Céline Marcotte, who knew one of the two creators, Mercedes Palomino, well.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“The theater played a part in the history of construction, in the professionalization of the stage professions and also had a social impact with the actors who became famous here,” she continues.
The most beautiful memory that Denise Filiatrault associates with the Théâtre du Rideau vert remains the discovery of Michel Tremblay with the performance of his play Les Belles-sœurs.
“I suggested it to them,” she says proudly. This play was a popular play with Quebec audiences who recognized themselves in it. It was us!”
The two directors shared a love of theater with the founders Yvette Brind’Amour and Mercedes Palomino, “who kept everything at a distance until their death.”
“You have to be empathetic, have fun and feel the love for your job in order to recognize what touches people,” believes former director Denise Filiatrault.
The successes of the Théâtre du Rideau vert over the years have been numerous. The duo recalls the play by Antonine Maillet, La Sagouine, all the classics by Molière, the Fridolinades, by Gratien Gélinas, Albertine en 5 temps, by Michel Tremblay, the Bien-Cuit organized in 2016 for Denise Filiatrault and the discovery of Quebec authors like Michel Tremblay, who advocates a theater accessible to all.
Photo QMI Agency, JOEL LEMAY
-The book The theater of Curtain Green – A first role in history will be available in bookstores from now on 13.september.