Wajdi Mouawad
Encyclopedia
Wajdi Mouawad, OC
is a Canadian writer, actor and director born in Lebanon
in 1968. After living in France
for a short time, he moved to Quebec
in 1983.
in 1991.
In 1998, his creation Willy Protagoras enfermé dans les toilettes (Willy Protagoras locked up in the toilets) was voted best Montreal
-based production by l'Association québécoise des critiques de théâtre.
From 2000 to 2004, he led the Théâtre de Quat'sous
in Montreal.
He has adapted different works for the theatre, from Don Quixote to Trainspotting
.
He was awarded the Governor General's Award in Literature for drama in 2000. In 2002, the French Government bestowed upon him the title of Knight of the Ordre National des Arts et des Lettres for the collection of his works. In 2009, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada
"for his contributions as a writer, actor, stage director and playwright known internationally for the quality and scope of his theatrical creations".
He made his first attempt onto the big screen in 2004 by directing and producing the film Littoral, based on the play of the same name.
On September 1, 2007, he became the Artistic Director of the National Arts Centre
's French Theatre in Ottawa
, Ontario, Canada.
His play Incendies (Scorched
) has been produced all over the world, including the United States, Austria, Germany, Mexico and Australia, and the 2007 production at the Tarragon Theatre
in Toronto
won several awards. The famed Vienna "Burgtheater", the biggest theatre in Europe, assigned Stefan Bachmann with the stage production. It subsequently received much praise from critics, winning the "Nestroy Award" in 2007.
Incendies
, the film version of the play (directed by Denis Villeneuve
) is Canada's official selection for the 2011 Academy Awards. Incendies opened in Canada on January 21, 2011.
In 2011 Wajdi cast his friend and convicted murderer French rock star Bertrand Cantat
in his production of a trilogy of Greek plays by Sophocles
. He justified the inclusion of Cantat by saying: "Electra, Antigone and The Women of Trachis are plays about justice and revenge ... Cantat’s presence at the edge of the action would make those themes more powerful."
Not published
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
is a Canadian writer, actor and director born in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
in 1968. After living in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
for a short time, he moved to Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
in 1983.
Biography
He obtained his diploma from the National Theatre School of CanadaNational Theatre School of Canada
The National Theatre School of Canada is a private college located in Montreal, Quebec.Established in Montreal in 1960, the National Theatre School of Canada offers professional training in English and French in a setting that unites all the theatre arts: acting, playwriting, directing, set and...
in 1991.
In 1998, his creation Willy Protagoras enfermé dans les toilettes (Willy Protagoras locked up in the toilets) was voted best Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
-based production by l'Association québécoise des critiques de théâtre.
From 2000 to 2004, he led the Théâtre de Quat'sous
Théâtre de Quat'Sous
The Théâtre de Quat'Sous is a Canadian theatre located on Pine Avenue in the borough of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal in the city of Montreal, Quebec. Established in 1955, it is the third oldest theatre company in Montreal after Théâtre du Rideau Vert and Théâtre du Nouveau Monde.-External links:*...
in Montreal.
He has adapted different works for the theatre, from Don Quixote to Trainspotting
Trainspotting (novel)
Trainspotting is the first novel by Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. It is written in the form of short chapters narrated in the first person by various residents of Leith, Edinburgh, who either use heroin, are friends of the core group of heroin users, or engage in destructive activities that are...
.
He was awarded the Governor General's Award in Literature for drama in 2000. In 2002, the French Government bestowed upon him the title of Knight of the Ordre National des Arts et des Lettres for the collection of his works. In 2009, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
"for his contributions as a writer, actor, stage director and playwright known internationally for the quality and scope of his theatrical creations".
He made his first attempt onto the big screen in 2004 by directing and producing the film Littoral, based on the play of the same name.
On September 1, 2007, he became the Artistic Director of the National Arts Centre
National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre is a centre for the performing arts located in Ottawa, Ontario, between Elgin Street and the Rideau Canal...
's French Theatre in Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Ontario, Canada.
His play Incendies (Scorched
Scorched (play)
Scorched is an English-language version of a 2005 play by Wajdi Mouawad . The play was translated into English by Linda Gaboriau.-Plot:...
) has been produced all over the world, including the United States, Austria, Germany, Mexico and Australia, and the 2007 production at the Tarragon Theatre
Tarragon Theatre
The Tarragon Theatre is a theatre in Toronto, Canada, and one of the main centers for contemporary playwriting in the country. Located near Casa Loma, the theatre was founded by Bill and Jane Glassco in 1970. Bill was the Artistic Director from 1971 to 1982. In 1982, Urjo Kareda took over as...
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
won several awards. The famed Vienna "Burgtheater", the biggest theatre in Europe, assigned Stefan Bachmann with the stage production. It subsequently received much praise from critics, winning the "Nestroy Award" in 2007.
Incendies
Incendies
Incendies is a 2010 Quebec film written and directed by Denis Villeneuve. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's play, Scorched, Incendies follows the journey of twin brother and sister as they attempt to unravel the mystery of their mother's life. The film premiered at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals...
, the film version of the play (directed by Denis Villeneuve
Denis Villeneuve
Denis Villeneuve is a Canadian film director and writer. In his early career he won Radio-Canada's youth film competition "La Course Europe-Asie" in 1990-91. He is a three-time winner of the Genie Award for Best Director, for Maelström in 2001, Polytechnique in 2010 and Incendies in 2011...
) is Canada's official selection for the 2011 Academy Awards. Incendies opened in Canada on January 21, 2011.
In 2011 Wajdi cast his friend and convicted murderer French rock star Bertrand Cantat
Bertrand Cantat
Bertrand Lucien Bruno Cantat is a French singer and songwriter. He was the frontman for the rock band Noir Désir.-Career:Cantat was born in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The son of a Navy officer, he spent his childhood in Le Havre...
in his production of a trilogy of Greek plays by Sophocles
Sophocles
Sophocles is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have survived. His first plays were written later than those of Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides...
. He justified the inclusion of Cantat by saying: "Electra, Antigone and The Women of Trachis are plays about justice and revenge ... Cantat’s presence at the edge of the action would make those themes more powerful."
Theatre
Published- 1996: Alphonse (Leméac)
- 1999: Les mains d'Edwige au moment de la naissance (Leméac)
- 1999, 2009: Littoral (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud-Papiers)
- 2000: Pacamambo (Actes Sud-Papiers Junior)
- 2002: Rêves (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud-Papiers)
- 2003, 2009: Incendies (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud-Papiers)
- 2004: Willy Protagoras enfermé dans les toilettes (Leméac)
- 2006: Forêts (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud-Papiers)
- 2007: Assoiffés (coédition Leméac/Actes Sud-Papiers)
- 2008: Le soleil ni la mort ne peuvent se regarder en face (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud)
- 2008: Seuls - Chemin, texte et peintures (Actes Sud - Léméac)
- 2009: Ciels (Actes Sud)
- 2011: Journée de noces chez les Cromagnons (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud-Papiers)
Not published
- 1992: Partie de cache-cache entre 2 tchécoslovaques au début du siècle
Radio works
- Loin des chaises
- Wilfrid
- William M.
- Le chevalier
- Dans la cathédrale
- Les trains hurlent quand on tue
- Les étrangers du bord du monde
Novels
- 2002: Visage retrouvé (coedition Leméac/Actes Sud)
- 2007: Un obus dans le cœur (Actes Sud Junior - Léméac)
Films
- 2004: Littoral directed by Wajdi Mouawad
- 2010: IncendiesIncendiesIncendies is a 2010 Quebec film written and directed by Denis Villeneuve. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's play, Scorched, Incendies follows the journey of twin brother and sister as they attempt to unravel the mystery of their mother's life. The film premiered at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals...
directed by Denis VilleneuveDenis VilleneuveDenis Villeneuve is a Canadian film director and writer. In his early career he won Radio-Canada's youth film competition "La Course Europe-Asie" in 1990-91. He is a three-time winner of the Genie Award for Best Director, for Maelström in 2001, Polytechnique in 2010 and Incendies in 2011...
Directing
(authors in parenthesis, unless authored by Wajdi Moawad)- 1992: Al Malja et L’Exil (Naji Mouawad)
- 1992: MacbethMacbethThe Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare about a regicide and its aftermath. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1607...
(Shakespeare) - 1994: Le tour du monde of Joe Maquillon (Gislain Bouchard)
- 1995: Tu ne violeras pas (Edna Mazia)
- 1995: Don QuichotteDon QuichotteDon Quichotte is an opera in five acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Henri Caïn.Massenet's comédie-héroïque, like so many other dramatized versions of the story of Don Quixote, relates only indirectly to the great novel by Miguel de Cervantes...
(CervantèsCervantes-People:*Alfonso J. Cervantes , mayor of St. Louis, Missouri*Francisco Cervantes de Salazar, 16th-century man of letters*Ignacio Cervantes, Cuban composer*Jorge Cervantes, a world-renowned expert on indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cannabis cultivation...
) - 1997: Littoral
- 1998: Willy Protagoras enfermé dans les toilettes
- 1998: Trainspotting (Irvine WelshIrvine WelshIrvine Welsh is a contemporary Scottish novelist, best known for his novel Trainspotting. His work is characterised by raw Scottish dialect, and brutal depiction of the realities of Edinburgh life...
) - 1998: Œdipe roi, in English Oedipus the KingOedipus the KingOedipus the King , also known by the Latin title Oedipus Rex, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed c. 429 BCE. It was the second of Sophocles's three Theban plays to be produced, but it comes first in the internal chronology, followed by Oedipus at Colonus and then Antigone...
(SophoclesSophoclesSophocles is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have survived. His first plays were written later than those of Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides...
) - 1999: Disco Pigs (Enda WalshEnda WalshEnda Walsh is an Irish playwright born in Dublin and currently living in London. Walsh attended the same secondary school where both Roddy Doyle and Paul Mercier taught. Having written for the Dublin Youth Theatre, he moved to Cork where he wrote Fishy Tales for the Graffiti Theatre Company,...
) - 1999: Les Troyennes, in English The Trojan WomenThe Trojan WomenThe Trojan Women is a tragedy by the Greek playwright Euripides. Produced during the Peloponnesian War, it is often considered a commentary on the capture of the Aegean island of Melos and the subsequent slaughter and subjugation of its populace by the Athenians earlier in 415 BC , the same year...
(EuripidesEuripidesEuripides was one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, the other two being Aeschylus and Sophocles. Some ancient scholars attributed ninety-five plays to him but according to the Suda it was ninety-two at most...
) - 1999: Littoral - Festival d'Avignon
- 2000: Rêves
- 2000: Ce n'est pas la manière dont on se l'imagine que Claude et Jacqueline se sont rencontrés (Mouawad co-authoring with Estelle Clareton)
- 2000: Lulu le chant souterrain (Frank Wedekind)
- 2000: Reading Hebron (Jason Sherman)
- 2001: Le mouton et la baleine (Ahmed Ghazali)
- 2001: Six personnages en quête d'auteur in English Six Characters in Search of an AuthorSix Characters in Search of an AuthorSix Characters in Search of an Author is a play by the Italian writer Luigi Pirandello.The play is a satirical tragicomedy. It was first performed in 1921 at the Teatro Valle in Rome, to a very mixed reception, with shouts from the audience of "Manicomio!" .Subsequently the play enjoyed a much...
(Luigi PirandelloLuigi PirandelloLuigi Pirandello was an Italian dramatist, novelist, and short story writer awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934, for his "bold and brilliant renovation of the drama and the stage." Pirandello's works include novels, hundreds of short stories, and about 40 plays, some of which are written...
) - 2001: Manuscrit retrouvé à Saragosse (opera, Alexis Nouss)
- 2002: Les Trois Sœurs in English Three SistersThree Sisters (play)Three Sisters is a play by Russian author and playwright Anton Chekhov, perhaps partially inspired by the situation of the three Brontë sisters, but most probably by the three Zimmermann sisters in Perm...
(Anton Anton Chekhov) - 2003: Incendies
- 2005: Ma mère chien (Louise Bombardier)
- 2006: Forêts
- 2007: Incendies in Russian, at Théâtre Et Cetera Moscou)
- 2008: Seuls at Festival d'Avignon
- 2009: Littoral, Incendies, Forêts (trilogy) at Festival d'Avignon
- 2009: Ciels at Festival d'Avignon
- 2010: Ciels at Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe Ateliers Berthier
- 2010: Littoral / Incendies / Forêts (trilogy) at Théâtre national de Chaillot
- 2010: Seuls at Festival d'Avignon
- 2011: Seuls at Le Quartz
- 2011: Temps at Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui
- 2011: Le Cycle des Femmes: trois histoires de Sophocle at Festival d'Avignon (music by Bertrand CantatBertrand CantatBertrand Lucien Bruno Cantat is a French singer and songwriter. He was the frontman for the rock band Noir Désir.-Career:Cantat was born in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The son of a Navy officer, he spent his childhood in Le Havre...
and Pascal Humbert)
Adaptations
- 2010: Un tramway d'après adaptation of A Streetcar Named DesireA Streetcar Named Desire (play)A Streetcar Named Desire is a 1947 play written by American playwright Tennessee Williams for which he received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948. The play opened on Broadway on December 3, 1947, and closed on December 17, 1949, in the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The Broadway production was...
of Tennessee WilliamsTennessee WilliamsThomas Lanier "Tennessee" Williams III was an American writer who worked principally as a playwright in the American theater. He also wrote short stories, novels, poetry, essays, screenplays and a volume of memoirs...
(directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski, Théâtre de l'Odéon)
Interpretations
- 2009: Seuls texte (directing and interpreting, Festival d'AvignonFestival d'AvignonThe Festival d'Avignon, or Avignon Festival, is an annual arts festival held in the French city of Avignon. Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, it is the oldest extant festival in France and one of the world's greatest...
) - 2010: Les Justes of Albert CamusAlbert CamusAlbert Camus was a French author, journalist, and key philosopher of the 20th century. In 1949, Camus founded the Group for International Liaisons within the Revolutionary Union Movement, which was opposed to some tendencies of the Surrealist movement of André Breton.Camus was awarded the 1957...
(directed by Stanislas NordeyStanislas NordeyStanislas Nordey is a French actor and director. He is the son of actress Véronique Nordey and director Jean-Pierre Mocky.- Biography :...
, Théâtre national de Bretagne, Théâtre national de la CollineThéâtre national de la CollineThe Théâtre national de la Colline is a theatre at 15, rue Malte-Brun in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the five national theatres dedicated to drama which are entirely supported by the French Ministry of Culture. The other four are the Odéon-Théâtre, the Comédie-Française, the...
, Théâtre des Treize Vents, Théâtre National PopulaireThéâtre National PopulaireThe Théâtre National Populaire is a theatre now at Villeurbanne, France. It was founded in 1920 by Firmin Gémier in Paris. The theater's policy is to deliver quality entertainment accessible to the general public....
-Villeurbanne)
Others
- 2004: Je suis le méchant!, interviews with André BrassardAndré BrassardAndré Brassard is a Canadian stage director and actor, best known for creating the vast majority of Michel Tremblay's plays....
(Leméac) - 2004: Littoral, cinematic projection of the theater work of the same name TVA FilmsTVA FilmsTVA Films is a privately held Canadian film and television distribution company with offices in Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. TVA Films is owned by Groupe TVA, a division of Quebecor Media....
- 2005: Architecture d'un marcheur, interviews given to Jean-François Côté (Leméac)
- 2009: Le Sang des Promesses: Puzzle, racines, et rhizomes, travel notes, directing, regading the process of writing and directing of the de la tetralogy (Léméac/Actes Sud)
- 2011: Traduire Sophocle (Actes Sud)
Awards and distinctions
- 1998: Prize of best production in Montréal, awarded by "Association québécoise des critiques de théâtre" for Willy Protagoras enfermé dans les toilettes
- 2000: Literary prize of the Governor General of CanadaGovernor General of CanadaThe Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
in the Theater category for Littoral - 2002: Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre des Arts et des LettresOrdre des Arts et des LettresThe Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is an Order of France, established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture, and confirmed as part of the Ordre national du Mérite by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963...
awarded by France - 2004: Prix Jacqueline-Déry-Mochon
- 2004: Prize "SACD de la francophonie" for totality of his works
- 2005: Molière of best francophone author (he refused to receive the Molières 2005 prize)
- 2009: Officer Order of CanadaOrder of CanadaThe Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
External links
- Wajdi Mouawad A biography
- Critical bibliography (Auteurs.contemporain.info)
- http://www.burgtheater.at/Content.Node2/home/spielplan/event_detailansicht.at.php?eventid=1192685 Vienna Burgtheater Play Info