Essential Ottawa Magazine Where Ottawa Essential 2018 | Page 14
C u lt u r e
SMall
StageS
Neighbourhood venues offer
a variety of performances
The GCTC presents thought-
provoking Canadian plays;
their focus is on productions
about social issues of
political relevance.
1233 Wellington St. W.
the gladStone
Find a colourful array
of Ottawa’s independent
theatre companies in this
warm late-20th-century space;
a local favourite for comedies.
910 Gladstone Ave.
la nouvelle SCène
gilleS deSjardinS
The National Arts Centre
Performing Arts
Find everything from bach to breakdancing
at the newly renovated nac
The National Arts Centre is
home to Canada’s NAC Orchestra
(NACO), an ensemble of world-
class musicians led by music
director Alexander Shelley, whose
reputation as one of Europe’s lead-
ing conductors has elevated the
NACO in recent years. But it also
welcomes local perfomers of every
genre, hosts drop-in children’s
workshops, and is a landmark in
itself. The newly renovated NAC is
frequently cited as an emblem for
14 where
EssEntial ottawa
nurturing Canadian creativity.
The NAC’s interior makes good
on that creative spirit by ensuring
that the spaces suppport dramatic
experiences. The Elgin Street en-
trance features the stunning atrium
known as the Kipnes Lantern. Dur-
ing the day, this glass tower offers
many vantage points from which to
view landmarks such as the Rideau
Canal and the Château Laurier;
at night, cutting-edge transparent
LED screens display stunning im-
ages of Canada’s leading artists and
productions. Welcoming and free
to enjoy whether or not you have a
ticket to an event, the NAC encour-
ages visitors to hang out and relax
in their new space. You might even
catch an impromptu performance
while doing so.
Throughout 2018, the NAC will
feature theatre that explores such
dramatic and historic topics as the
devastating tsunami of 2004. The
diverse seasonal programming
includes interactive shows for
kids, dance performances dem-
onstrating the dexterity of circus
acrobatics, and a choreographed
presentation of Leonard Cohen
songs.
This theatre specializes
in French-language
productions; find a variety
of music and dance events,
as well as a bistro, terrace,
and a small art gallery.
333 King Edward Ave.
The GCTC
La Nouvelle Scène
(doublEspacE
the great Canadian
theatre CoMpany