Denis Bernard will soon celebrate 45 years of career. After all these years, the beginner’s enthusiasm still animates him and a new production of the play Fires will be part of what will occupy him shortly, to his greatest pleasure.
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Next fall you will be producing a new productionFires, signed Wajdi Mouawad, a classic which was adapted for the cinema. What role will you play there?
That of the notary Lebel. The statement appeals to me, among other things by its demonstration of the absurdity of war. God knows that we are living in a time where we are more than ever confronted with this absurdity. Then, this experience will allow me to play for the first time with the actors who complete the cast and also to work for the first time with Elkahna And Ines Talbi, who provide the staging. The first times on a professional level constitute one of my quests, after almost 45 years in the profession; It’s my way of trying to look elsewhere if I’m there!
You are already celebrating 45 years in the business!
Yes, after a first contract at the theater thanks to Jean-Marie Lemieuxwho came to pick me up when I hadn’t finished my studies, I started working in the TV series Braves Park, three years after I left the Quebec Conservatory of Dramatic Art. I also remember my first meeting with Jean Duceppe, a moment that I will never forget. It was in 1984 or 1985, in view of the presentation of Desire under the elms. My sister came to take me back to Montreal for the audition. I was possibly going to play the leading role, alongside Monica Miller and of Guy Provost. I was super impressed. When I returned to Quebec, I had a message from Jean Duceppe, who was artistic director, on my answering machine, saying: “You have the role.”
Have you ever experienced downtime?
No. At almost 67 years old, I am not in demand every day. But there are always projects, including another that will keep me busy in July and August. Then, I work on a third project that has kept me busy for several years now, as an adapter. Otherwise, I will soon open my country house located in Bas-Saint-Laurent. I have a gallery to redo and I have to take care of the gardens.
On April 15, you returned from a trip to Portugal with Odette, your lover.
Our daughter, Clara, was on vacation in the south of France with her lover. And, as planned, she came to meet us in the Algarve, during our third week. Currently, she works in England. For Odette and me, it was a road trip, but there were also a lot of trekking.
Forty-five years of career, 32 years of love with Odette Roy, you are a stable person!
Most certainly, on that level. I also have a 38-year-old son, Julien, whom I had with the actress Marie Michaud. She is my best “boyfriend”, we talk almost every day. I would say I’m stubborn. A life is discovered, but it is also organized. Jean-Pierre Ferland said “love is work”. You have to get involved, get on board and I’m very happy to have done it. Our anniversary, Odette and I, is April 18. Every year we sign a one-year lease. I am someone who loves and gets involved in what he loves. I never give up, whether for my health or my projects.
Fires will be presented at Duceppe, from October 30 to November 30, 2024.
