Arts·Commotion

Why this Quebec theatre director wants to preserve smoking on stage

Director Marc Gourdeau joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about why theatre companies are fighting to change a law in Quebec that bans actors from smoking on stage.

Marc Gourdeau tells guest host Amil Niazi why he is appealing a decision that bans smoking inside a theatre

May 1956:  Greek dancing sensation Lili Berde performs her erotic number 'The Marijuana', an act so controversial that it has been banned on British television.  (Photo by Juliette Lasserre/BIPs/Getty Images)
Greek dancing sensation Lili Berde. (Juliette Lasserre/BIPs/Getty Images)

A couple of years ago, director Marc Gourdeau's theatre company was one of 3 companies fined more than $500 because an actor lit up a fake cigarette onstage.

Now, a superior court judge in Quebec is currently weighing the evidence in his appeal against the decision banning smoking anything inside a theatre.

He joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about why theatre companies are fighting to change the law in the name of artistic expression.

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Marc Gourdeau produced by Jess Low.