Montreal’s MainLine Theatre would have celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, but is closing down instead.
The MainLine is home to Montreal’s Fringe Festival, which is looking for a new space for future programming. The theatre has put on thousands of shows since it first opened its doors, including hosting Just For Laughs.
It’s been known as a space where emerging artists can find their voice, said Amy Blackmore, the theatre’s executive and artistic director.
“This is home for me, and I think that’s what makes mainline special. It’s become like a third space for so many people,” she said.
“We see a lot of artists taking risks, putting on their first productions, and really cutting their teeth, in the performing arts.”
After a major flood severely damaged the space last July, the theatre struggled to get back on its feet. Blackmore said rising rent and maintenance costs, the deterioration of the building and lack of accessibility made the space unsustainable.
Montreal Gazette arts columnist Bill Brownstein said it’s sad to see.
“For them to be without a home could be a vital blow to, you know, the city’s, artistic community,” he said. “But from the Anglo point of view, there aren’t many alternatives on the indie stream.”
Plateau councillor Alex Norris said the situation is concerning and the city will offer “whatever assistance we can” to find an affordable new location and obtain necessary permits.
Though it may be the “end of an era,” as Blackmore put it, “there are folks, at the city and folks at the government level that are listening, and are concerned that the English arts hub, the the only indie theater really in Montreal, is closing.”
She’s been lobbying for increased funding.
“I kind of see this as taking the leap. It’s time to leave. Let’s do it. Let’s plan this, let’s celebrate. Let’s love and enjoy what we have and ask everyone to help us get to what’s next,” said Blackmore.
The 35th edition of the Montreal Fringe Festival will run at the MainLine from May 26 to June 15, and the theatre will close its doors for good June 30.
