Joël Beddows receives the Prix Marcu for his significant contribution to French-language theatre
September 18, 2009
Ottawa (Canada) -- The Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC) and the National Arts Centre (NAC) today presented the Prix Marcus to Joël Beddows for his significant contribution to the development of professional French-language theatre, playwriting, and new plays, particularly for teenagers and young adults.
Joël Beddows is a stage director, Artistic Director of Ottawa’s Théâtre la Catapulte, and a professor in the University of Ottawa Theatre Department. The award was presented at a reception held at La Nouvelle Scène during the NAC’s biennial Zones Théâtrales theatre event, and was attended by many members of the arts community.
The Prix Marcus was established by the ATFC in 2001 in honour of Jean-Claude Marcus, long-time associate of the NAC French Theatre, whose unwavering support made an important contribution to the development of professional French-language theatre in Canada.
“The National Arts Centre is pleased to support an award named in honour of Jean-Claude Marcus, the French Theatre artistic director who made it possible for the NAC to become an active force in the development of professional theatre in Canada’s Francophone communities,” said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. “In associating itself with the Prix Marcus, and contributing to its monetary component, the NAC is proud to re-affirm its strong commitment towards Canada’s Francophone theatre artists.”
Craig Holzschuh, ATFC President, remarked, “The Prix Marcus reflects the ATFC’s commitment to acknowledging our artists’ role in history, and celebrating the talented men and women who devote their lives to enriching our communities with vibrant, accessible culture!”
A native of northern Ontario, Joël Beddows is known for his work with emerging artists, many of whom have worked with him over the last 10 years at Théâtre la Catapulte on such memorable productions as L’Hypocrite, Le Testament du Couturier, and Cette fille-là, to name only a few. In just over a decade he has established La Catapulte as a leader in theatre for adolescent audiences. The company’s school tours have reached thousands of young people in their classrooms, and earned Mr. Beddows the Ontario Culture Minister’s Award in 2004.
Mr. Beddows’ numerous directing awards include the 2003 Capital Critics’ Circle Award for Best Direction (for Michel Ouellette’s Le Testament du couturier), and the 2005 John Hirsch Director’s Award presented by the Ontario Arts Council.
This year, for the first time, the Prix Marcus includes a cash award of $2,500.
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For more information, please contact:
Carl Martin
Communications
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000, ext. 560
613-291-8880 (cell)
