The Archives - Shelf 1994

A three-part presentation of the archives of the show Cabaret Neiges noires. This play, as festive as it was outrageous, which at the time brought together a lively group of performers and a handful of musicians, had a bombshell effect on audiences. Those who were there still remember it, and those who missed it are left to live with their regrets…

First, a relay-style lecture presented by the Acting students in the History class of the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Québec.

Second, a staged reading of several key scenes from the show.

Finally, a roundtable discussion with some of the creators of the play, moderated by Alexandre Cadieux of the CEAD.

Cabaret neiges noires

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Created in Montreal at Théâtre La Licorne in November 1992, Cabaret Neiges noires was the result of a co-production between Théâtre de La Manufacture and Théâtre Il va sans dire. Written collaboratively by Jean-François Caron, Dominic Champagne, Jean-Frédéric Messier, and Pascale Rafie, the show was directed by Dominic Champagne. During its run in Quebec City as part of the Carrefour international de théâtre, the production was staged at the now-defunct Le D’Auteuil bar venue.

“A scathing satire on the meaning of life, the assassination of Martin Luther King, urban solitude, the wandering of Claude Jutra, romantic passion, and many other sources of distress, this exhilarating tragicomedy epic gleefully combines the merciless songs of the ‘Joyeux Troubadours’ with Maria Casarès’s full striptease, the death of Jacques Brel at the bottom of a barrel of Jack Daniel’s, and the FLQ Manifesto.” — Cabaret Neiges noires, CEAD

This production, widely compared to L’Osstidcho and described—rightly or wrongly—as “the manifesto of Generation X,” stands among the landmark shows of the 1990s. As Cabaret Neiges noires recently marked the 30th anniversary of its creation, we believe that historical distance now allows us to revisit this bold artistic statement with a fresh perspective.

Meet and Greet with the artists of Cabaret neiges noires

Presented in collaboration with Les Voyagements and the CEAD  
After The Archives

A dive behind the scenes of Cabaret Neiges noires through a roundtable with the show’s original artists. Hosted by Alexandre Cadieux, this discussion reveals the ideas, experiments, and key moments that shaped the production’s unique and daring world.