Theaters Montreal

Classics become superb productions in this beautiful Italian-style hall. The stage floor can be dismantled and opened in all directions, allowing for the most ambitious stagings. Major works from national and international repertoires, from Molière to Koltès, from Shakespeare to Michel Tremblay, are produced and presented here, with a strong emphasis on new works. The building is currently undergoing major renovations, and is soon to be given a modern facelift and expanded space.

Slowly, the small room fills up, giving the place a comfortable warmth, conducive to reflection and boiling brains. On stage, the actors take possession of original texts by authors from here and elsewhere, developing a singular aesthetic. The audience is invited to discuss their impressions with the authors. Also, for over 35 years, the theatre has programmed General Auditions for new artists who have the chance to be seen and heard by the cultural community.

The show starts even before the performance begins. The decorative elements that adorn the beautiful hall are reminiscent of the great mythical texts presented by this theatre and are references to the classical repertoire. Under the spotlight, the actors play works by Dumas, Goldoni or Molière. The theatre also houses the Fred-Barry Hall, which is dedicated to more contemporary and emerging plays. A place to discover, why not after a meal in one of the good addresses of this less touristic area.

First a fire station, then home to the Carbone 14 dance troupe, then the Omnibus company, Espace Libre is now occupied by the Joe Jack and John company and the Nouveau Théâtre Expérimental. The place has a hall for large scale shows and smaller rooms, ideal for more intimate evenings of public reading, poetry, small theatre productions or workshops. The Espace Libre is also at the origin of the Comité spectateurs-trice-s project, which aims to introduce selected citizens to the theatre each year.

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, in the magnificent historic building of what was the first Stock Exchange in Canada, the Centaur Theatre has been presenting plays in English since 1969. In addition to its regular annual programming, it also hosts the Wildside Festival and children's series, among others. Classical or more contemporary plays, with a large place reserved for Quebec creations and emerging artists, Centaur Theatre entertains with a selection of innovative and contemporary works.

Life on stage, in all its nudity, defined but above all redefined, through the eyes of today's authors. Since 1968, the texts that have burned the stage of this former cinema in Carré Saint-Louis have been drawn exclusively from French-speaking Quebec and Canadian drama, whether they are creations or revivals of the repertoire. To encourage the next generation, artists in residence are also welcomed to give them the opportunity to assert their style.

Comfortably installed for over 75 years in the lively Plateau district, it was the country's first professional French-language theater. Antonine Maillet, Michel Tremblay, Gratien Gélinas, Marie-Claire Blais and many other great names have made their mark on this stage. The Théâtre du Rideau Vert has enjoyed some of the finest moments in its history, and continues to attract large audiences with its classic repertoire and contemporary programming.

This theatre invites the audience to discover new textual and scenic experiences. It gives a voice to contemporary authors from here and elsewhere, while revisiting some classics, all in a studio theatre with a variable configuration. Since its founding in 1979, under the name Théâtre Expérimental des Femmes, the company has been firmly committed to valuing the contribution of women to the adventure of theatre. The theatre also hosts some shows during the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival, among others.