Artistic direction
Eric Jean
A major figure in contemporary Quebec theatre, Eric Jean is recognized for his poetic and collaborative vision of the stage. His work is based on a unique creative approach he calls living writing: a method centered on guided improvisation, co-creation with performers, and a deep integration of the scenographic space.
Toward a new Artistic direction
An Approach Rooted in Collaboration
Eric Jean is, without a doubt, one of the most estimated and most unique stage directors of his generation. In 2004, his designation as Artistic and general director of the Théâtre de Quat’Sous, and the success that followed, illustrates the trust placed in him by a community that quickly recognized him as a daring and distinctive creator, whose artistic contribution to Quebec theater is substantial.
As a prolific and inventive stage director, and occasional actor, he is known and appreciated for his great involvement with emerging artists, both in teaching and on a professional level.
However, it is above all for his creative method, focused on directed improvisations, working in close collaboration with the author and crafting his shows around the scenographic environment, that Eric Jean has made his mark and reputation. The most compelling examples of his technique, which he calls “lived writing”, are certainly the renowned Hippocampe, written in collaboration with Pascal Brullemans, and awarded the Prix de la critique in 2003, as well as Chambre(s), written with Pascal Chevarie in 2009. Following the success of the former, the stage director was nominated among five finalists for the prestigious 2004 Siminovitch Prize.
Other noteworthy stagings include Corps étrangers/Cuerpos extranos (2005), first created in Mexico and presented in Quebec, written in collaboration with Pascal Brullemans, Opium37_ (2009−2011), written in collaboration with Catherine Léger, S’embrasent (2009−2017), a play for teenage audiences by Luc Tartar, Le ventriloque (2012) by Larry Tremblay, Survivre (2013) by Olivier Kemeid, Testament (2014) by Vickie Gendreau, Variations sur un temps (2015) by David Ives and Le Joker (2016) by Larry Tremblay.
Autumn 2016 marked the start of a new adventure for Eric Jean, as he handed over the reins of the Théâtre de Quat’Sous to dedicate more time to directing, writing for the stage and filmmaking.
He then makes his first venture in the world of contemporary dance, taking on the dramaturgy and directing of Dance Me / Leonard Cohen, produced by BJM Danse.
In spring 2019, Sébastien Harrisson invited Eric Jean to share the Artistic and general direction of the theater company Les 2 Mondes. The two creators, who have previously collaborated on several occasions, combine their expertise to develop a signature style in which dramaturgy and scenic language are in perfect synergy. He is appointed General co-director and Artistic director in January 2023.
Alongside his new duties at Les 2 Mondes, Eric Jean continues to act as the Artistic co-director (Theater and storytelling) of Théâtre de la Ville in Longueuil, a position he has held since 2021.