October 25, 2006 -

Ottawa, Ontario -- The Association québécoise des critiques de théâtre (AQCT, the Quebec theatre critics’ association) is pleased to announce the recipients of its “Critics’ Choice” awards for the 2005–06 season.

In the Montreal category, the award went to Tout comme elle by Louise Dupré, adapted and directed by Brigitte Haentjens and coproduced by Sibyllines and L’Usine C. The AQCT commented: “This theatre event, featuring 50 actresses from several generations, impressed  us with the choral range it bestows on Louise Dupré’s intimate writing. This artistic vision, where individuality is emphasized, literally reinvents contemporary theatre practice. In this polyphonic work, Brigitte Haentjens has crafted a deeply personal synthesis of stripped-down stage forms (movement, poetry, visual elements, song). Tout comme elle, the pinnacle of a bold creative approach, is a thoughtful, universally accessible exploration of the complexity of the mother-daughter bond.”

Tout comme elle will be presented at the NAC October 31–November 4, 2006 at 19:30.

In the Quebec category, the Critics’ Choice Award was presented to En attendant Godot by Samuel Beckett, directed by Lorraine Côté and produced by Théâtre de la Bordée. From the AQCT: “Lorraine Côté’s staging brought out the lucidity of the text without mitigating its despair. Casting a woman as Pozzo was a bold and successful move: it makes the character all the more singular and unsettling. With its richly evocative soundscape and its powerfully metaphorical sets, this production is pure poetry.”

Tied with Milan Kundera’s Jacques et son maître, directed by Martin Genest and coproduced by Théâtre du Trident and Théâtre Pupulus Mordicus.

En attendant Godot will be presented at the NAC December 12–16, 2006 at 19:30.

The NAC French Theatre is presenting this show as part of a tribute to the centenary of the birth of Samuel Beckett (1906–1989). Ottawa will become “Beckett City” for a week: other activities include a production of Beckett’s Comédie (Play), the latest in director Denis Marleau’s series of “technological phantasmagorias” (performances at the NAC on October 26 and 27 at 19:30. 20:30 and 21:30); and a Beckett conference at the University of Ottawa (Academic Hall, October 27 and 28). For more information, visit www.nac-cna.ca/en/theatre/beckett/index.html.

Canada’s National Arts Centre
53 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario
NAC Box Office: Monday–Saturday, 10:00–21:00
Group rates: (613) 947-7000, ext. 384 / grp@nac-cna.ca

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For more information, please contact:
Guy Warin, Communications & Media Relations Officer
French Theatre – Canada’s National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 or 1 866 850-2787, ext. 759
gwarin@nac-cna.ca