Jean-Quentin Châtelain
An acting phenomenon
Swiss Theatre Award 2016
Jean-Quentin Châtelain was born in Geneva in 1959. He began studying drama in the late 1970s at the Ecole supérieure d’art dramatique (ESAD) in Geneva, before moving on to Strasbourg. Since 1981 he has appeared in over 50 productions in Belgium, France and Switzerland, from Georg Büchner’s “Woyzeck” directed by Jean-Louis Hourdin, to “Lulu” by Frank Wedekind and “The Idiot” after Fyodor Dostoyevsky at the Théâtre de Vidy in Lausanne. He caused a sensation in Switzerland in 1986 with a monologue based on Fritz Zorn’s autobiographical novel “Mars” directed by Darius Peyamiras. “Mars” was revived for the 1991/92 season in association with the Centre culturel suisse in Paris, with Châtelain capturing the Syndicat de la critique best actor award in 1992 for the first time in France. He received the award again in 2001, 2010 and 2014 for his stage performances.
An actor of indomitable personality and impressive authenticity, he has appeared on all the principal stages in the francophone world, including French-speaking Switzerland – where he has played in modern productions under the aegis of Robert Bouvier and Denis Maillefer – as well as, regularly, in France, under theatrical doyen Claude Régy and Claude Brozzoni, and most recently in “C’est la vie” at Paris’s Théâtre du Rond-Point. He has also brought his formidable acting talents to more than 20 movies, in performances that almost defy description and simply have to be experienced. His voice and his ability to enter an almost trance-like state captivate audiences and draw them into his narratives.
“An acting phenomenon, Jean-Quentin Châtelain is a whole continent in a single human being. After training at the Geneva Conservatoire and the Théâtre National in Strasbourg, he goes on to work with over fifty directors and producers and appears on the leading stages of the French-speaking world.
A lover of challenging literature, he knows better than anyone how to bring out the density and meaning of a text, conveying them in a way that is fascinating – compelling and unique. He understands. He feels. He personifies, with powerful authenticity. Whether reassuring us or gnawing away at our vulnerabilities, in each of his performances Châtelain offers us the chance to awaken and grow. He invites himself into our inner lives, transforming our own readings into encounters that are more vibrant and more beautiful.”
Thierry Luisier, jury member
