Giguère’s work chose me, admits Thomas Hellman.

From the moment he leafed through a copy of Roland Giguère’s anthology L’âge de la parole, singer-songwriter Thomas Hellman was smitten. He was instantly captivated by the slightly surrealist imagery of the Quebec poet, who died a decade ago. Blending poetry and visual art, Roland Giguère created shimmering, wildly inventive imaginary worlds alive with desire.

How can I tell you
how easy the desert is
in a gazelle’s heart

how silence flees
amid the rush of wings

Thomas Hellman offers a sincere and humble tribute to Giguère and other poets and writers. In hushed silences and pregnant pauses given musical form, in lyrics set to spare, folk-inspired melodies, Hellman shares an intimate performance with poetry and literature at its beating heart.

What Roland called deliberate coincidences, Thomas describes as a community of words.

TRIBUTE TO Roland Giguère (1929-2003)

As an introduction to Thomas Hellman chante Roland Giguère, the Théâtre français will present a few events highlighting the poems, the imagination and the influence of the author of the renowned L’âge de la parole.

Poetry Recital and Discussion: Roland Giguère, ce contemporain

The public is invited to a recital of poems by Roland Giguère read by the actor Sébastien Ricard. The recital will be followed by a discussion moderated by Tristan Malavoy and featuring Thomas Hellman, Catherine Morency and Paul Chanel Malenfant. The event will be held on September 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Quatrième Salle at the NAC. Free admission. RSVP 613 947-7000, ext. 834

Exhibit: Dans l’atelier de Roland Giguère

For almost fifty years Roland Giguère pursued several activities – editor, graphic artist, engraver and painter – while also publishing five anthologies of poetry. This exhibit is a journey through the dense thickets of his career, while also reflecting the ingenuity and candour that were always a driving force in his work. The exhibit will be presented on September 18 and 19 in the lobby of the NAC theatre. Vernissage on September 18 at 6 p.m.

Research, documentation and staging: Catherine Morency // Co-produced by: Théâtre français du CNA and Festival international de la littérature (FIL)