OTTAWA, 11 SEPTEMBER 2013 – The singer-songwriter Thomas Hellman will be putting the poems of Roland Giguère into song at the National Arts Centre, ten years after the passing of the great Quebec poet. Seduced by the luminous imagery of the anthology entitled L’âge de la parole, Thomas Hellman decided to set the words to music, making Giguère’s words sparkle with discrete music in the folk tradition. The concert Thomas Hellman chante Roland Giguère, directed with the complicity of Brigitte Haentjens, will be presented for one night only on September 18 at 7:30 p.m., in the NAC Theatre.

 

It is with simplicity and humility that Thomas Hellman pays tribute to Roland Giguère, as well as other poets and writers. With whispered silences, musical moments suspended in time and words lulled by folk-imbued minimalist melodies, this concert comes to life – a moment to be shared, a performance whose vibrant heart is poetry and literature. It consists of a dozen songs adapted from poems taken from the collections L’âge de la parole and Temps et lieux.

 

The songs are included in the disc-cum-book Thomas Hellman chante Roland Giguère. Released in November 2012 by Éditions de l’Hexagone, it met with critical and popular acclaim. Thomas Hellman received his second Coup de coeur award from the Académie Charles-Cros for this album.

 

Giguère’s poems have long been a part of me. They are rich with a simplicity that contains a whole world of complexity, like folk music and two and three-chord songs composed centuries ago by unknown songwriters; songs that, even today, continue to offer a reflection of who we are. 

                                                                                    Thomas Hellman

 

 

Lyrics: Roland Giguère, Eduardo Galeano, Woody Guthrie, Naomi Fontaine and Patrice Desbiens // Music: Thomas Hellman // Vocals, piano, guitar and banjo: Thomas Hellman // Vocals and bass: Sage Reynolds // Piano, guitar and vocals: Olaf Gundel // Directed by: Thomas Hellman & Brigitte Haentjens // Produced by: Thomas Hellman and Gestion Nuland // In association with: Théâtre français of the NAC

With special guest Sébastien Ricard

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 actorSébastien 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)