Jean Gascon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Gascon
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Radio Carabin, 1945
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| Born | December 21, 1920 |
| Died | April 13, 1988 (aged 67) Stratford, Ontario
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| Resting place | Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery |
Jean Gascon CC (born December 21, 1920 – died April 13, 1988) was a famous Canadian director, actor, and leader in the world of theatre. He helped create important theatre groups and festivals in Canada.
Contents
Jean Gascon's Theatre Career
Jean Gascon first wanted to be a doctor. But he loved acting so much that he decided to become a performer instead. He had already worked with amateur theatre groups in Montreal. In 1946, he won a special scholarship from the French government. This allowed him to study acting in Paris, France. He learned from a famous teacher named Ludmilla Pitoëff.
Founding New Theatre Groups
After returning to Canada in 1951, Jean Gascon helped start the Theatre du Nouveau Monde in Montreal. He became its first Artistic Director. This meant he was in charge of all the creative parts of the theatre.
He also began working with the new Stratford Festival in 1956. This festival is very famous for its plays. At Stratford, he acted in a play called Henry V. He also directed three funny plays by Moliere. He returned to Stratford to direct more plays, including Le malade imaginaire in 1958 and Othello in 1959.
Between 1960 and 1963, he helped create the National Theatre School of Canada. He was its first Administrative Director. This school helps train new actors and theatre artists. For his work, he received the Canadian Drama Award.
Leading the Stratford Festival
Jean Gascon returned to the Stratford Festival in 1963. He directed The Comedy of Errors. The next year, he directed Le Bourgeois gentilhomme and The Marriage of Figaro.
In 1967, he won the Molson Prize, a major Canadian award for arts and culture. From 1968 to 1974, he was the Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival of Canada. Later, in 1977, he became the theatre director for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Awards and Recognition
Jean Gascon was known for his amazing work in Canadian theatre. He could act and direct in both English and French. He received special honorary degrees from McGill and Bishop's Universities. He was also given the Order of Canada in 1975, which is one of the highest awards in Canada. He also won the Prix du Québec and the Royal Bank Award.
As an actor, he played many important roles. These included Richard in Richard II and the Captain in Dance of Death.
He also acted in a few movies. He played a character named Batise in the 1970 film A Man Called Horse. His last film was in 1988, called À corps perdu (Straight for the Heart).
Jean Gascon's Personal Life
Jean Gascon had two brothers who were also involved in the arts. His brother Gabriel Gascon was an actor, and Gilles Gascon was a filmmaker.
Jean Gascon passed away from a heart attack in 1988 in Stratford, Ontario. He was buried in the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.
Honours and Awards
- In 1967, Jean Gascon was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. He was then promoted to a Companion of the Order in 1975.
- In 1985, he received the Prix Denise-Pelletier from the Quebec government. This award recognizes great artists.
Images for kids
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Jean Gascon's tombstone in the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery.
