Albert Millaire

I first met Albert when he came to Stratford to direct Roch Carrier's La Guerre, Yes Sir! where I was a liaison between the Stratford company and la compagnie TNM. We became fast friends, although I was much younger. I , marvelled at his ease with actors and his genuine love for the material and his coIleagues. In a meeting with John Hayes, administrator of the Festival at the time, he remarked "They're all having a picnic down there!" And we were! The rehearsals were full of invention, so positive, and unlike the rather serious rehearsals of the English company. Later we would work together with composer Berthold Carriere on a sumptuous Malade Imaginaire produced in London, Ontario at the Grand Theatre, later in Dallas Texas and a wonderful Scapin for Toronto Arts Productions. In later years I always made a point of visiting him whilst I was in Montreal and was fortunate to have lunch with him and his wife at his last visit to Toronto when he appeared there with the incomparabel Louise Marleau. To his wife and children and extended family I offer my sincere condolences. There is an ache in my heart. RIP