Olivier Laurent, a reincarnation of Jacques Brel? That's what a lot of people say when they see his performance in Brel! The show which will be presented in Montreal, Quebec and Sherbrooke.
“When I stand on stage and see people crying, it's difficult even for me. […] “Brel's former press secretary Raymond Errera came to cry in my arms and thank me,” admits the 48-year-old Belgian impersonator, who has been playing Brel in the show conceived and directed by Gil Marsalla for around ten years.
“I really go with my gut feeling. My musicians follow me incredibly well. And it gives an incredible result,” says the artist who has imitated Brel in Paris, New York, Beirut, Dubai… An honor for Olivier Laurent, who discovered the great Jacques when he was little thanks to his family.
A physical and emotional challenge
It is not easy to represent on stage the Belgian legend who left his mark on French-language songs with the intensity of his haunting performances of hits such as “Ne me Leave Pas” and “Amsterdam”.
“I am a copycat,” explains Olivier Laurent. I have around a hundred voices in my repertoire. I started playing Brel very young and it took me more than 20 years to perform it on stage. I felt like I wasn’t ready.”
“When you sing Brel, you shouldn't sing it 70% of the time. You have to do it 100%,” adds Olivier Laurent. “At Brel I lose three kilos or more per show. The musicians are afraid to touch my bow because I’m so wet!”
Jacques Brel, who died on October 9, 1978 at the age of 49, left the stage in 1966 at the height of his art.
“It's not for nothing that Brel stopped at 38. He physically couldn't hold himself up anymore. His songs require physical but also mental preparation,” emphasizes Olivier Laurent. “You have to have experienced a lot in your life to sing lyrics like that.”
“A great surprise”
La Valse à mille temps, Ces gens-là, Les Vieux, Les Bigotes… “There are many songs in the show! The artist admits that it was difficult to make a choice. And sometimes we change a little. We improve over time… We are always questioning ourselves.”
Every evening will be so unique. “I never sing. Don’t leave me the same way.” That sensitivity is important, and I think the public feels it too. […] That's what I like: going on stage and wondering what we're going to feel tonight. It is magic.”
Olivier Laurent also promises that his visit to Quebec will be a special moment. “I can't say too much… Other people will come and sing with Brel. You’ll see, I’m preparing a nice surprise!” he reveals with a laugh.
Brel! The show will be at the Palais Montcalm in Quebec on January 15th, the Théâtre Maisonneuve in Montreal on January 16th and the Théâtre Granada in Sherbrooke on January 17th.