This marks the first time that an English-language theatre company has been nominated for this prestigious award in its twenty-one year history. The nominee represents both French and English theatre companies of Montreal.

The other nominees for the 2006 Grand Prix, include one organization from each of the following seven categories: media arts, visual arts, cinema, dance, literature, music, and new artistic practices. The winner of the Grand Prix is selected by an external jury of four well-known Montrealers and chaired by the Chairman of the Conseil des arts. The Grand Prize will be awarded at an official ceremony, taking place on Tuesday March 13, 2007.

In its statement, the Conseil des Arts de Montréal praised Centaur's season of Montreal Stories for its public appeal; for bringing together a community; and demonstrating a commitment towards local artists, with programming originating from the pen of no less than six Montreal playwrights, of which three were world premieres.

The announcement also commended Centaur Artistic Director, Gordon McCall for giving Montreal based artists and artisans a voice, and for his perseverance for over eight years "to promote his personal vision; throughout numerous outstanding achievements, he has established Centaur's mandate to renew its role in our city, by offering artistic programming that actively favours bringing together Anglophone and Francophone culture in Quebec."

The Conseil went on to say: "This new viewpoint has materialized itself by creating a relationship with several reputable companies, and in presenting co-productions with companies such as Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui and Théâtre de la Manufacture, among others. Ardent promoter of Quebec theatrical creativity, Centaur has revealed itself to be an irrefutable ambassador of our authors, through the launch of several Canadian and American tours or cultural exchanges with renowned directors, and artistic directors of national theatres in Ireland and Australia"¦Undoubtedly Centaur Theatre Company stands out among the major organisations that contribute to the artistic proliferation of Montreal, amongst our nation, and on the international scene."

"Centaur plays a pre-eminent role in Montreal's artistic core. This undeniable leadership position is not coincidental, but the result of a collective effort fervently conducted by the permanent team at the helm and by the conviction of its board of directors and its indefatigable committee of volunteers."
The Montreal Stories season was comprised of Condoville by David Fennario, the romantic comedy Real Estate by Allana Harkin, the first part of "A Carpenter's Trilogy" Hellfire Pass, by Vittorio Rossi, (Part 2, Carmela's Table premiered this season), the daring and spicy tragic-comedy CHEECH by François Létourneau, David Sherman's comedy Have A Heart and a Montreal collaboration with Imago Theatre of Bye Bye Baby by Elyse Gasco.

Artistic Director, Gordon McCall, had this to say upon learning of the nomination: "This nomination means the world to us. It represents public affirmation and recognition of a vision we've been pursuing passionately at our theatre for the past ten years. To celebrate the vitality and artistic identity of Montreal alongside seven other artistic disciplines is a true honour. To be the first English-language theatre company selected for this nomination, and to be the nominee selected, not just to represent English theatre but to represent the more than thirty-five French and English theatre companies of Montreal, is an historic moment and a moment of great pride for our company. Thank you to the Conseil for its belief in our vision."

By www.centaurtheatre.com