“In addition to the shutdown of everything, this summer also brought a reckoning around the endemic racism in our culture. We decided to use the enforced hiatus to find a way to look at theatre, its role in society, and how Centaur can be an agent of change.” Eda Holmes explained as she presented plans for the new Artistic Diversity Discussion at Centaur Theatre (ADD @ Centaur).
A panel of established, diverse artists and activists from the Montreal community will meet in the autumn for an in-depth conversation to identify Centaur’s blind spots regarding race equality so it can evolve as a conscientious cultural institution that truly reflects Montreal’s unique society.
“We’re taking this time to dig deep and discover ways we can use theatre to build bridges within our community and make Centaur a place where everyone in Montreal, audience and artists alike, feels welcome and can find great theatre that is relevant and inclusive. We will have our first meeting September 21st and that conversation will be the springboard for the re-launch of our live, online Saturday Salons in October so make sure to tune in to those!”
The second initiative on the horizon was revealed to be The Portico Project, sponsored by the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation, a series of free performances taking place outdoors on Centaur’s grand entryway from September 24 to October 4, 2020.
The Portico Project will allow theatre lovers to see a live production again, in person, with other audience members … a sorely missed privilege during the past few months. In between the six rotating shows is an exciting interactive performance piece called The Red Phone, from Vancouver’s celebrated Boca del Lupo theatre company. There are other surprise events planned for the two-week event and although everything is free, donations will be gratefully accepted.
Thanking once again the donors who have held on and supported Centaur in this challenging time, as well as the team that made this event possible both on camera and off, Eda closed the night with a message from the heart:
“Theatre is only possible when everyone believes that it is important and your commitment to Centaur Theatre means the world to us. See you at the Portico Project!”
– Eda Holmes
It’s not too late to become a member of Centaur’s Director’s Circle of donors. Now, more than ever before, every dollar counts.
