Theater explosion reshaped my existence
A Fresh Tale of a Theatrical Maverick
The theatre world recently bid farewell to a revolutionary figure who profoundly influenced its landscape - Jean-Claude Germain. Known for his remarkable career spanning various realms such as dramaturgy, writing, directing, journalism, and history, Germain was a trailblazer in Quebec theatre.
Born and bred in Montreal, Germain sparked a revolution after studying history at the Université de Montréal. His groundbreaking work as a journalist and theatre critic at Le Petit Journal soon set the stage for his meteoric rise.
In the late 60s, Germain co-founded the progressive theatre collective, Le Théâtre du Même Nom, as a defiant response to the classical French repertoire that held sway over Montreal's theatres. This audacious move marked the beginning of a significant shift in the city's stage scene.
From 1972 to 1982, Germain served as the artistic director of the Centre du Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui, a vital hub for contemporary Québécois works. His tenure at the Centre also marked the inception of the Centre des auteurs dramatiques (CEAD), an institution dedicated to nurturing francophone playwrights and celebrating original Québécois dramaturgy.
The enigmatic playwright's influence can be felt even today, as his legacy lives on through the playwriting program at the École nationale de théâtre du Canada. This prestigious institution honors Germain as a cornerstone of its dramatic writing program.
Germain advocated extensively for Québécois identity and fought against colonial influences. The Salle Jean-Claude-Germain at the Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui now stands as a testament to his commitment, hosting plays like Parler mal that delve into the intricacies of the Québécois linguistic identity. His 1993 recognition as Patriote de l’année by the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste underscored his immense impact on culture.
On a personal note, I share a birthday with this visionary - June 18th. Discovering this biographical detail has fostered a sense of affinity, making me cherish Germain even more. He will forever remain one of my favorite playwrights.
Moreover, many remarkable artists graced Germain's productions, including Monique Rioux, Sauvageau, Odette Gagnon, Maurice Gibeau, Jean-Pierre Piché, Claude Maher, Gilbert Lepage, Michelle Rossignol, and others. The combined efforts of these illustrious performers helped reinforce Germain's revolutionary impact on Quebec theatre, second only to Claude Gauvreau in transforming the theatre scene in a different yet impactful manner.
Rest in peace, Jean-Claude Germain, the maverick who left an indelible mark on the world of theatre.
In 1969, Jean-Claude Germain, a maverick and a revolutionary figure in Quebec theatre, co-founded Le Théâtre du Même Nom, an audacious response to the classical French repertoire. This theatre collective led to an unforgettable rumor surrounding the entertainment scene in Montreal. Born on the same day as Germain, I have held a deep admiration for him, as he advanced the cause of Quebec identity and founded the Centre des auteurs dramatiques (CEAD), nurturing francophone playwrights.
