Why is the Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier so important? This Montreal theatre has a rich history. It showcases international and Quebecois plays.
The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier began as a cinema. It was called the Granada Theatre. United Amusement built it in 1928. Architect Emmanuel Arthur Doucet designed it. It seated 1685 people. Many considered it Montreal’s most beautiful theatre. Its style was Beaux-Arts. Emmanuel Briffa designed the interior.
In 1976, the Nouvelle Compagnie Théâtrale bought it. Gilles Pelletier, Françoise Graton and Georges Groulx had founded the company in 1964. Before acquiring the Granada Theatre, the company performed at the Salle du Gesù. In 1997, the company changed its name. It became the Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier. This honored actress Denise Pelletier who had recently passed away.
The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier has two performance spaces. The main theatre is called Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier. It has a fixed proscenium. The studio is called Salle Fred-Barry. The larger hall presents the company’s subscription season. This includes daytime and evening shows for students and adults. The smaller hall hosts alternative companies. These companies come from all over the country. Their evening subscription season is open to the public.
The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier plays a key role for young audiences. Its primary mission is introducing young people to theatre. However, its programming also attracts the general public. It presents a balance of periods, genres and styles. The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier offers students a variety of tools. It also provides activities for teachers.
Several artistic directors have guided the theatre. Georges Groulx, Gilles Pelletier and Jean-Luc Bastien were among the first. Later directors included Guy Nadon, Brigitte Haentjens and Pierre Rousseau. Claude Poissant has been the artistic director since 2014.
In 1991, Brigitte Haentjens became artistic director. She created explosive and exciting seasons. These seasons were often controversial. Her goal was to show students that theatre was alive. However, she was dismissed in 1994. This caused significant controversy.
Pierre Rousseau followed Haentjens. His productions included a critically acclaimed version of Corneille’s “Le Cid”. Serge Denoncourt directed this production.
The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier has undergone significant renovations. In 1976, the cinema was converted into a theatre. Architect Jean-Guy Brodeur and scenographer Claude Fortin oversaw the work. The stage was enlarged. The balcony was removed. The seating was reduced to 850. The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier was inaugurated in 1977. A small studio theatre was added. It was named after actor Fred Barry.
Between 2008 and 2010, further renovations took place. These cost eleven million dollars. The architectural firm Saia Barbarese Topouzanov led the project. The main stage was enlarged again. The foyer was restored. A new marquee was installed on the facade. The Salle Fred-Barry received air conditioning. Art was installed at its entrance.
The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier continues to thrive. It is a vital part of Montreal’s cultural landscape. The theatre inspires young audiences. It also engages the wider community. The Thèâtre Denise-Pelletier remains a place where stories come to life.