Montreal’s Anick La Bissonniere wins $100,000 Siminovitch Prize

TORONTO – Montreal designer Anick La Bissonniere has finally snagged the $100,000 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre.

The trained architect, who’s worked around the world, won the prize on Sunday after also being a finalist in 2006, 2009 and 2012.

“After three nominations, I think I had unconsciously resolved that my fourth time would end the same way,” she said in a statement.

“To be one of the nominees again felt extraordinary. It meant that over the years my whole career has been acknowledged by the Siminovitch jury. To be the recipient is an incredible honour, and an extraordinary gift which offers the possibility of freedom.”

This year’s jury included Bob White, Philip Akin, Gideon Arthurs, Genevieve Blais and Kim Collier.

They recognized La Bissonniere for her “extraordinary talent to create epic, eye-popping environments that manage to remain intimate, subtle and totally actor-friendly.”

They also praised her “ability to imagine complete, original worlds for the plays she designs and to empower actors to lay bare the human soul.”

La Bissonniere receives $75,000 for herself while $25,000 goes to the protege she chose — Marilene Bastien.

Now into its 15th year, the prize recognizes a body of work in design, direction and play writing in three-year cycles.

The other three finalists receive $5,000 apiece.