Canadian Stage and the National Arts Centre Present Saint Carmen of The Main

Canadian Stage and the National Arts Centre English Theatre join forces to present a new translation of Michel Tremblay's epic play Saint Carmen of The Main in Toronto and Ottawa. Canadian Stage will bring the production to life at the Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front Street East, Toronto) from February 7 to March 5, 2011. Opening and media night: February 10. Tickets from $22 to $99 are available in person, by phone 416.368.3110, or online at canadianstage.com.

The premiere of Linda Gaboriau's new translation of this timeless piece features members of the National Arts Centre English Theatre Company. The company is currently in rehearsal at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and will move to Toronto in early February.

"This production is a wonderful celebration of Canadian theatre," says Matthew Jocelyn, Artistic & General Director of Canadian Stage. "Saint Carmen of The Main features a cast of exceptional Canadian actors who will bring to life this essential part of our country's cultural history. Director Peter Hinton and translator Linda Gaboriau have a vision that will give a truly contemporary resonance to this seminal work by playwright Michel Tremblay."

Saint Carmen of The Main is one of Tremblay's most important works: a twentieth-century Greek tragedy that explores independence, cultural identity, rebellion and oppression.

Carmen, a nightclub country singer, returns to Montreal's red-light district (The Main) where she is welcomed home by a chorus of hustlers, prostitutes and transvestites. Motivated by what she's seen and done during a stint in Nashville Carmen is no longer content to sing classic country tunes and begins writing and performing her own songs: about real people with real problems. As Carmen pushes artistic boundaries with her new performance style, she becomes an inspiration for the oppressed residents of The Main. But when some in the community are threatened by her actions, the story takes a dramatic turn. Colourful characters, a lively musical chorus and vibrant text bring The Main (St. Laurent Boulevard, one of Canada's National Historic Sites) to life.

"Michel Tremblay is one of the greatest playwrights from Quebec, and this play is one of his boldest meditations on the power of art, culture and political expression," says Peter Hinton, director of Saint Carmen of The Main, and Artistic Director of English Theatre at the National Arts Centre. "This play offers a unique perspective on the challenges and necessities of our times."

Canadian Stage marks the second half of the 2010.2011 season by continuing to focus on emerging performance styles and a 21st-century aesthetic while presenting innovative and vibrant theatre from Canada and around the world.
Production Sponsor: TD Bank Group

About Saint Carmen of The Main:
Canadian Stage in co-production with the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Written by Michel Tremblay
Translated by Linda Gaboriau
Directed by Peter Hinton
Assistant Director: Todd Duckworth
Musical Director/Composer: Allen Cole
Set and Costume Designer: Eo Sharp
Lighting Designer: Bonnie Beecher
Sound Designer: Emily Porter
Production Dramaturg: Paula Danckert
Production Stage Manager: Michael Hart
Assistant Stage Manager: Samira Rose

Starring The National Arts Centre English Theatre Company:
Patricia Cano, Réjean Cournoyer, Diane D'Aquila, Nicolas Di Gaetano, John Doucet, Randi Helmers, Ron Kennell, Jani Lauzon, Jean LeClerc, Kevin Loring, James Stuart MacDonald, Alex McCooeye, Robert Persichini, Jackie Richardson, Karen Robinson, Laara Sadiq, Katie Swift, Dayna Tekatch, Joey Tremblay

The National Arts Centre will present the show from March 16 to April 2, 2010 in Ottawa. Details at 613.755.1111 or nac-cna.ca.

About Canadian Stage:
Founded in 1987 with the merger of CentreStage and Toronto Free Theatre, Canadian Stage is one of Canada's leading not-for-profit Contemporary Theatre companies. Led by Artistic & General Director Matthew Jocelyn, Canadian Stage produces and showcases innovative theatre work from Canada and around the world, allowing its audience to encounter daring work guided by a strong directorial vision and a 21st-century aesthetic. The company prides itself on presenting trans-disciplinary work and work in translation that pushes the boundaries of form and style. The company reinforces the presence of Canadian art and artists within an international context through work that mirrors the cultural diversity of Toronto. Canadian Stage has a long-standing commitment to education and enhancement programs for the public and investing in the art form by nurturing and developing theatre professionals while producing thought-provoking theatre and quality entertainment in Toronto, one of North America's largest theatre centres. For more information, refer to canadianstage.com.

About the National Arts Centre and the NAC's English Theatre
When Peter Hinton was appointed the Artistic Director of English Theatre at Canada's National Arts Centre in Ottawa, he became interested in exploring the concept of a National Theatre for our country. He posed the questions, "What is a National Theatre for Canada today and what factors should be shaping the repertoire that we present?" Now in his fifth season, Peter has developed theatrical seasons that are rich in their range and diversity - including a firm commitment to present a major Aboriginal work every season, and the reinstatement of a National Acting Company.

For over four decades, Canada's National Arts Centre has partnered with arts organizations and artists across the country to produce new Canadian work; has presented the best Canadian and International Artists and productions in English and French language Theatre, Dance and Music; and has reached out to young people across the country with exciting education initiatives. For more information, visit nac-cna.ca.