If she could, Ines Talbi would have jumped with both feet into several television universes that she discovered in her childhood and youth. The artist then took the opportunity to join lovable characters, including several imagined by screenwriter Isabelle Langlois…
Ines, which children’s programs influenced you?
Passe-Partout archive photo, Télé-Québec
I loved Alphabus! I was an absolute fan of Tikotin [jouée par Angèle Arsenault], the old lady who taught us music and lived in a clock. Fripe et Pouille also had a big influence on me. I thought they were so creative and silly. I wanted to live with them in their messy loft. Of course, when I found out that it was Isabelle Langlois who had written it, my admiration for her increased tenfold. And Radio Hell. It was just great. It was funny. Human. The characters were all a bit offbeat and so real. One day I wanted to be Maria Lopez, the next day I wanted to be Camille Bergeron (laughs). Unsurprisingly, it was also Isabelle Langlois who wrote this show.
What are your favorite TV memories from your childhood?
The idea of the absolute. Creation. Discovery. Trial and error. I loved shows that made me laugh and learn. I was obsessed with numbers and letters (laughs).
Did you watch a lot of TV when you were young?
Radio Enfer archive photo, family channel
Yes, we watched a lot of television. Especially at lunchtime and on weekday evenings. As long as we have all our homework and chores done.
Is there a character you wish you could have played for children?
I wouldn’t say that I want to play, but rather that there are many characters and worlds that I want to fit in and exist in.
Finally, what universe would you like to introduce to children?
Fripe and Pouille Photo from Facebook, Fripepouille
I had the huge opportunity to take part in Alix et les Merveilleux. It makes me incredibly proud. I probably want to introduce this show to the kids I love. And many shows from my childhood. It really was a different era.
What do you think of today’s children’s television?
I miss the completely disconnected universe of my time and the one before it: Télé-Pirate, Passe-Partout, Sol et Gobelet… It was so imaginative and free. I feel like children’s television is sanitized and mistreated. We should invest much more and restore his letters of nobility.
Ines Talbi is part of the cast of the new series The candidateavailable on Tou.tv Extra.
In addition, the artist directs the show The eternal fox, in the footsteps of Pauline Julien – in which she also stars – and which can be seen on December 8th, 9th and 10th at the Salle Claude-Léveillée at the Place des Arts.