Rebecca Déraspe secures the Jovette-Marchessault award

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Rebecca Déraspe bagged the coveted Jovette-Marchessault Prize on Monday, an award established to recognize women's contributions to the Montreal theater scene. This year's winning piece comes with a hefty $20,000 grant. The runners-up, Annick Lefebvre and Marie-Christine Lê-Huu, celebrates their win with an Air Transat flight to Paris.

Named after a versatile Montreal artist who passed away in 2012, the prize honors unparalleled achievements in various theater spheres annually. Last year, the award's spotlight shone on costume designers; this time, the Conseil des arts de Montréal (CAM) and Espace Go focused on playwrights. Next year, the limelight shifts towards directors.

In her victory speech, Déraspe thanked the jury for fueling her passion to continue pushing the boundaries of theater, even when the fire of reality threatens to consume her. Nathalie Maillé, CAM's general director, lauded Déraspe's work, professing that her writing echoes the present political climate and fills a void we need filled.

Graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada in 2010, Déraspe has already made her mark with over two-dozen plays staged. She won the Prix d'écriture dramatique in 2012 for Two Years of Your Life. Since 2022, her work, including Those Who Have Evaporated, The Girls of the Saint-Laurent, and The Ice Creams, has graced local and international stages.

Known for her feminist approach and adaptability in genre and style, Déraspe masters a diverse spectrum of storytelling. Whether exploring the farthest reaches of her imagination or adapting existing work, she captivates audiences in summer and winter seasons alike. This spring, Déraspe utilized her unique talent to portray Janette, a play praising the past while embracing the future.

In a statement, Déraspe extolled the courage and artistry of all playwrights, asserting she writes for her fellow theater veterans. She believes they are the core force shaping the ever-evolving world of Quebecois stage.

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Fun Fact:

Did you know that a single play can take Déraspe up to four years to perfect? Her meticulous process reflects her commitment to delivering a captivating performance.

Rebecca Déraspe, a French playwright from Montreal, thanked the jury for recognizing her unparalleled contributions to the theater scene, as she was awarded the Jovette-Marchessault Prize.
this spring, Déraspe captivated audiences with her play "Janette," which is a tribute to the past while being a call to the future, showcasing her adaptability in genre and style.
Déraspe's work has garnered attention not just in Quebec, but internationally, with plays like Those Who Have Evaporated, The Girls of the Saint-Laurent, and The Ice Creams staged in various countries.
In a statement, Déraspe expressed her admiration for fellow playwrights, considering them the core force shaping the ever-evolving world of Quebecois stage.