Do you know the show Blackbeard’s Incredible Secret? This is a cute show for children written and played by Franck Sylvestre. The artist has presented it almost everywhere in Quebec, and even in France, since 2009, but in 2023, he will not present it in Beaconsfield, on the island of Montreal, since a group put pressure on the elected officials of the town to cancel the performance.
“I was shocked and surprised, especially since these are people who have not seen the show,” lamented Mr. Sylvestre at the microphone of Sophie Durocher, via QUB radio.
In the middle of the complaint, there is Max, the puppet designed by Mr. Sylvestre. Max, just like Franck, has black skin. Despite this, the group in question claims that the puppet is denigrating.
“My friend Max, my puppet that I made in my likeness, is a caricature of myself,” said the theater man.
But his argument fails to convince everyone. In Pointe-Claire, there was even a vote by elected officials to find out if the show could be presented. To the great relief of Franck, and Max, the performance is maintained thanks to a unanimous vote. But in Beaconsfield… the West Island Black Community association managed to get the whole thing called off.
“Do we give too much importance to these groups?” asked the artist.
“I love doing this show. I play it everywhere. I’m a bit of an ambassador,” said Mr. Sylvestre.
The Montreal Arts Council even approved the show, which also went through committees of cultural communities. Black juries have also approved “The Incredible Secret of Blackbeard.” So why cancel a children’s show? Franck Sylvestre, and Sophie Durocher, absolutely do not understand.