Monday, September 26, 2011

Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon Present the American Premiere of NORMAN in Washington


Peter Trosztmer in NORMAN. Photo: Victor Pilon.
Having toured in Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America, NORMAN, created by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, will make its American premiere at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington on October 6, 7 and 8, 2011. It is the fourth production of Lemieux Pilon 4D Art to be performed in this theatre.

"We have a longstanding relationship with The Kennedy Centre in Washington and are honoured to be giving the American premiere of NORMAN, a tribute to the OSCAR™ winning Canadian filmmaker Norman McLaren, in this prestigious theatre," said Michel Lemieux. "This production integrates film with dance and music, extending the limits of these disciplines bringing the audience in McLaren’s innovative world."

"We hope that spectators will enjoy our journey into the movement, abstraction and humanism that characterize the films of this genius of the moving image. McLaren’s playful animated landscapes provide a framework for the show and truly reflect his personality," added Victor Pilon.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most important and well-attended theatres in the United States. A wide range of American and international shows are presented there including plays, musicals, contemporary dance, ballet, opera, orchestral and popular music, as well as multimedia productions.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon will be the artistic directors of the new Planetarium Rio-Tinto Alcan immersive show.

Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon will be the artistic directors behind the immersive show and the permanent exhibition of the new Planetarium Rio-Tinto Alcan of Montreal which will open in 2013.

From the Planetarium website :
The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will include two immersion theatres, hosting multimedia shows using the latest technology. They will each be housed in a circular structure resembling a telescope peering out at the Universe, and will offer unique experiences for visitors. One will appeal to their minds, and the other to their emotions.

The first show, designed by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, will be presented in the first theatre when the Planetarium opens, in spring 2013. This poetic, immersive experience will take visitors on a voyage through space lasting about 20 minutes, transporting them from a world on a human scale to the infinitely large and then back to the infinitely small.

The second theatre will host a more scientific show, beneath the starry dome. This time visitors themselves will choose the destination of their journey! The show, with live commentary, will appeal to their minds and senses as they explore the constellations.

The permanent exhibition: Learning about the Universe

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium's permanent exhibition room will be the ideal place to discover the cosmos. Visitors will be able to admire the meteorite collection displayed in the geology laboratory.

This discovery space will have a “library” of interactive multimedia terminals, with spherical screens and spaceship-like walls. Their constantly updated content will make them the perfect tools for visitors looking to learn more about astronomy. They can also try out a space flight simulator and see how it feels to be a weightless astronaut in space!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

La Belle et la Bête on tour

Photo by Yves Renaud
The run of La Belle et la Bête at Théâtre du Nouveau Monde will be over by February 24th, but it's not the end for this love story à la Lemieux Pilon. From March 8th, it will be touring the province of Quebec as part of Les Sorties du TNM. The show will be played in six cities. If you don't already have your tickets, hurry up, because they are selling fast!

 


The tour

Thursday, February 3, 2011

La Belle et la Bête : new shows added!

You haven't seen La Belle et la Bête yet? Here's your chance! The Théâtre du Nouveau Monde added two news shows on February 22nd and 23rd and good seats are still availabe. To purchase your tickets go to http://www.tnm.qc.ca/billetterie/index.html

For more pictures, visit La Belle et la Bête's section of our website.

Photos: Yves Renaud

What have been said about La Belle et la Bête

“…visually stunning and intellectually intriguing enough to warrant a second viewing." Pat Donnelly, The Gazette, January 21, 2011.

The following are translations from French :

 “Pilon and Lemieux’s technical prowess - and those of the team of specialists who have worked on this impressive project – is so advanced that one quickly forgets one is not at the cinema or in front of a computer.”  Benoit Aubin, Le Journal de Montréal, January 23, 2011.

“We witnessed a reinvention of theatre and were happy we were the chosen ones who got to SEE and LIVE such an extraordinary (theatrical) moment!” Sarah-Émilie Nault, patwhite.com, January 2011.
 
“After La Tempête (2005, TNM) and NORMAN (which has been touring for the last few years), directors Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon once again showcase their immense talent as visual, avant-garde creative artists. “ David Lefebvre, montheatre.qc.ca, January 21, 2011.

“A fairy tale for adults with undeniably powerful visuals, Michel Lemieux, Victor Pilon and Pierre Yves Lemieux ‘s definitively contemporary interpretation of La Belle et la Bête, beautifully explores the angst of love, intimacy and redemption, while respecting the codes and symbols of traditional fairytales.” David Lefebvre, montheatre.qc.ca, January 21, 2011.

“At one point (during the show) I had to use my binoculars to make sure that it was the real François Papineau on stage and not a 3D projection. And as special effects extend outside the traditional stage onto the walls of the theatre, the spectator has the impression that he is surrounded by the action and immersed in the atmosphere of the play (…) I tell you, find tickets for this play, because otherwise you are going to miss a show that will stay in your mind for a long time.” Nelson Dumais, La Chronique de Nelson, cyberpresse.ca, January 24, 2011.

“Let’s say it outright: rarely has a theatre show created and produced in Québec mastered so beautifully technology and special effects: the spectators are taken on a truly magical odyssey.”  Martine Côté, soundbeatmag.com, January 23, 2011.

“The desire to immerse the spectator in the essence of the play is not only reflected in the intervention of the narrator, portrayed brilliantly and mysteriously by Andrée Lachapelle, but also in the set where Lemieux and Pilon extend their poetic technology off the stage and into the walls of the theatre.” Alexandre Vigneault, La Presse, January 22, 2011.

“The strength of La Belle et la Bête, version 2010, lies in the interaction between the characters and the projections: by not having to constantly change sets, the play gains fluidity and openness.  Say goodbye to the limits of the stage; it is now possible to be in a surreal world and have a play that is capable of transporting us further into an imaginary world.” Hugo Prévost, pieuvre.ca, January 23, 2011.


“Beautifully romantic, without being insipid.”  Catherine Perrin, Six dans la cite, Radio-Canada.

“There is an aura of freshness and creativity with a sensuality and erotic aura constantly present.  I told you that the 2011 theater season was strong, but with this (La Belle et la Bête) we have already reached a peak.”  Annie-Soleil Poteau, C’est bien meilleur le matin, Radio-Canada.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The first pictures of La Belle et La Bête.

Eager to see our new show? To help you bear with the wait, here are some pictures taken during the rehearsals. The show starts on January 18th at the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde. Click here to get your tickets.

Bénédicte Décary and François Papineau

Bénédicte Décary and, in virtual, Violette Chauveau

François Papineau in virtual and Bénédicte Décary

Andrée Lachapelle and, in virtual, Peter James