PHI Centre
Space B
315 Saint-Paul St West
Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2M3
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wednesday and Thursday:
1:00 pm to 8 pm
*last group enters at 7 pm
Friday:
1:00 pm to 9:30 pm
*last group enters at 8:30 pm
Saturday:
10:00 am to 9:30 pm
*last group enters at 8:30 pm
Sunday:
10:00 am to 8 pm
*last group enters at 7 pm
Duration of the visit: 45 minutes
*Please expect to spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with us to do the other two experiences included in your ticket.
11 years old +
General Admission: $22 - $35
Student (11+): $17 - $26
65+: $19 - $30
Price excluding taxes
For group reservations, please contact [email protected]
To help extend your audio experience, your Lashing Skies ticket also gives you access to two additional immersive experiences: Living Sound and Eternal by Darkfield Radio
ATTENTION: You are about to enter a disaster zone. We invite you to wear an N95 mask to protect yourself from the dust particles that emanate from the space. As in any danger area, wearing an N95 mask is mandatory and will protect you during your experience.
Please note: PHI will offer you an N95 mask to accompany your experience.
Lashing Skies, is a captivating 45-minute immersive audio journey of 5 imagined stories on the edges of disaster during the events of September 11th, 2001 designed and directed by multidisciplinary artist Brigitte Poupart.
Where were you that day?
What were you doing the morning of?
What were you wearing?
Are you the same person now?
Lashing Skies investigates the tension between individual and collective memory, through five (5) individual’s stories during the events of September 11, 2001. Although these attacks are still deeply rooted in our collective memory, it is not the only tragic common experience in our recent human history. The Paris attacks at the Bataclan, the explosions at the port of Beirut, and of course the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, are still felt to this day.
We all have particular moments in time throughout our lives when tragedy hits, and marks us for time eternal. We pose the same questions: Where were you that day, that morning? These stories, anchored in time, space, and bodies, affect us all in different ways. Our collective conscience cannot be denied. Rather than avoiding it, we say explore it.
Your journey will take you through a large, dark room filled with ashes and paper scattered throughout the space. As you wander, so too does your mind. What happened here? Where do I begin?
Each poem investigates a human story on the fringe of disaster, and the collective narrative that ties them together. You will confront each, without ever meeting their physical or psychological portraits. The soundscapes will envelope you, allowing you to recreate each character and their environment from your own imagination.
Based on the poem series, Ciel à outrances, written by Madeleine Monette and published by Hexagone Editions.
Poems translated by Phyllis Aronoff and Howard Scott and published under the title Lashing Skies by Ekstasis Editions.
To prepare you for your Lashing Skies experience, a few words from artistic director Brigitte Poupart...
“Without memory there is no imagination, and without imagination nothing can restore memory. Therefore, one cannot go without the other. Thanks to the imagination that springs from memory, we can imagine the future. You can relieve yourself from the loneliness of your own story through the art of never being alone telling the same story.”
Lashing Skies is an atypical immersive audio experience designed and directed by multidisciplinary artist Brigitte Poupart, based on the poetic suite of the same name by Madeleine Monette published by Ekstasis Editions.
Actor, writer and director Brigitte Poupart’s latest directorial foray is a show for Cirque du Soleil, Luzia, which premiered in May 2016 in Montreal, and is currently on tour internationally. Since graduating from the Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal in 1990, she has appeared in more than 30 theatrical productions, and has been involved in international tours.
She founded the theater company Transthéâtre, where she writes, directs and produces her own work.
She has also worked in film, including a role in Philippe Falardeau's Monsieur Lazhar, nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars in 2012. She won an IRIS for best actress in a supporting role at the Quebec Cinema Awards for Robin Aubert’s The Ravenous (Best Canadian Film at TIFF 2017). In CANNES Festival, May 2017, she was invited to screen her 360° fiction film in VR. Her first feature film, Over My Dead Body, featured on the list of the contenders at the MoMA in New York and was presented at HotDocs in Toronto, Raindance Festival in London, the Antenna Festival in Sydney, and in Hamburg, Munich, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Helsinki and Copenhagen.
She received the Jutra Award (Quebec film awards) for Best Documentary for the film, as well as the Grand Prize for Artistic Creation from the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec (Quebec Council of Arts and Literature).
She also worked with Moment Factory as the artistic director for the inauguration of the illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal for the city’s 375th anniversary, and for the light and sound show Ode à la vie on the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona.
Known for her large-scale staging and design of musical performances and concerts (Montreal International Jazz Festival, Quebec City Summer Festival, Francofolies de Montreal), she has worked with, among others, Patrick Watson and The Barr Brothers. Several of her shows have earned nominations for Quebec’s music awards, the Gala de l'ADISQ. She has also directed the Gala de l’ADISQ and the Gala des Jutra, both broadcast on Radio-Canada. She received Gemini nominations for best production for two recent ADISQ awards shows (2013-2014 and 2015).
Photo credit: Julie Artacho
A novelist, short-story writer and poet, Madeleine Monette was born in Montreal and lives in New York City where she wrote her first novel, Le Double suspect (1980, Robert-Cliche Award). Four other novels followed: Petites Violences (1982), Amandes et melon (1991), La Femme furieuse (1997) and Les Rouleurs (2007). Monette's first novel came out in English translation under the title Doubly Suspect in 2000. She published her first book of poetry, Ciel à outrances, in 2013. It was translated in English and appeared in 2014 under the title Lashing Skies. Her novel Les Rouleurs was republished by Galaade Éditions in Paris in 2015 and by Éditions Mains libres in Montréal in 2021, under the title Skatepark. An artist book entitled La mer, au feu / A Sea Fire, with original engravings and collages by French visual artist Véronique de Guitarre, and a translation by poet Oana Avasilichioaei, was created in 24 signed and numbered copies in Paris in 2017. It is part of the Artists' Books Heritage Collection of BAnQ. La mer, au feu / A Sea Fire was published by Éditions du Noroît in Montréal in 2020. Madeleine Monette was part of the first anthology of the Parliament of Francophone Women Writers, Voix d’écrivaines francophones, published in France in 2019. A collection of essays, interviews and portraits, entitled L'Amérique est aussi un roman québécois (Vues de l’intérieur), will be published shortly by Editions Nota bene in Montréal. Short-listed for literary awards such as the Marguerite Yourcenar Award (USA), the Prix France-Québec Philippe-Rossillon (France), the Prix Molson and Prix Ringuet de l’Académie des Lettres du Québec, and the Prix Elle Québec (Canada), she was writer in residence at the Université du Québec à Montréal in 1993-1994 and was awarded the first grant from the Fonds Gabrielle-Roy in 1994. Many of her texts were broadcasted on radio; others were published in collections of short stories and literary magazines in Québec, in English Canada, in the U.S., in Italy, in France and in Romania. Madeleine Monette is a member of PEN International, the Academy of Letters of Québec and the Parliament of Francophone Women Writers.
Photo credit: Simon Jutras
All poems feature the album titled The Disintegration Loops.
Composer/Performer: William Basinski
Label: 2062 / Temporary Residence Ltd.
After completing your Lashing Skies journey, we invite you to discover the Living Sound installation to learn about the making of the soundscape behind the work, and to re-discover the full contemplative and visceral track.
Why do I have to wear an N95 mask during the experience?
You will enter a disaster zone when you enter this experience. We invite you to wear an N95 mask to protect yourself from the dust particles that emanate from the space. As in any danger area, wearing an N95 mask is mandatory and will protect you during your experience.
Please note that the N95 mask will be given to you upon arrival and that you will not be allowed into the experience without one.
Trigger Warning:
Lashing Skies and ETERNAL are experiences that deal with sensitive matters. In consequence, this message serves as a trigger warning. For more information, please contact us at: 514 225-0525 or [email protected].
How long does the experience last?
Please arrive 15 minutes early. Latecomers will not be admitted.
Please expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes with us.
-Lashing Skies has a duration of 45 minutes.
-ETERNAL has a duration of 18 minutes.
-Living Sound has an indeterminate duration.
In what language is the experience presented?
Lashing Skies is presented in English and in French.
ETERNAL is presented in English and in French.
What is ETERNAL? Is ETERNAL part of Lashing Skies?
ETERNAL is a 20-minute immersive audio experience for one person, alone in their bed. It explores the quandary of eternal life and wonders what price you would settle for to achieve it. The experience is part of your visit, but it is not linked to Lashing Skies.
What is Living Sound? Why are there 2 other sound experiences included in my ticket?
This space is an invitation to sound immersion. The PHI Centre welcomes Basinski and his famous album The Disintegration Loops. A work that has a direct link with the events of September 11, 2001.
Is Lashing Skies & ETERNAL virtual reality experiences?
Lashing Skies and ETERNAL are sound based experiences that are presented in immersive and decorated spaces.
Is there an order to go through the experiences?
Yes, we will ask you to follow a specific order. Thank you for following the instructions of our team.
Is the experience accessible to people with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the experiences cannot welcome visitors with limited mobility. The ground of Lashing Skies is covered with a thick layer of sand which can make it difficult to move around with certain devices. As a result, wheelchairs unfortunately cannot be admitted.
Is the experience accessible to people who are hard of hearing?
Lashing Skies is an audio-based immersive experience that utilizes high quality headphones. If you require any type of hearing accommodation, please contact us so that we can assist you.
Is the experience available to children?
The experiences are recommended for an audience aged 14 and over. We also accept children 11 years of age and older, accompanied by an adult.
Technical Issues:
Due to the complexity of the technology used, the facility may require unscheduled maintenance resulting in delays or cancellations.
Am I allowed to film or take photographs?
Photography is permitted only at the end of your experience. Our mediators will be able to tell you the precise moment on site.
Can you refund or cancel your tickets?
No, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling services. If you have any further questions, please contact: [email protected].
What happens if I am late for my scheduled check-in time slot?
Your time slot cannot be postponed to another day and it is possible, depending on the amount of visitors, that we cannot find another time. Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure your spot.
Why will I be refused entry if I arrive late?
Our exhibitions follow a predetermined schedule in order to ensure that everyone will have time to go through our experiences. The exhibition follows a strict pattern that cannot be changed and, in consequence, we do not admit latecomers.
I would like to book a group visit; how does it work?
For school visits, please call the box office at 514 225-0525 or email us at [email protected].
For corporate visits or group visits of 10 people or more, please call the box office at 514 225-0525 or email us at [email protected].
Do all members of my group have to be together to register?
Yes, if you want the experience at the same time. If you are planning a visit and think that your group members might arrive at different times, we suggest ordering your tickets separately.
Is there on-site parking at the PHI Centre?
Unfortunately, the PHI Centre does not have parking. City of Montreal parking is available in its vicinity.
Are there restrooms available on site?
Yes, restrooms are available.
Is there a coat check available?
There is a self-service coat check & lockers available.
What is the nearest metro station to PHI Centre?
The nearest metro stations to the Centre are Square Victoria OACI and Place d’Armes.
Hygiene and Cleaning
Our team follows a meticulous protocol of hygiene measures. All the equipment is carefully disinfected between each visitor.
For more details on safety measures in place at the PHI Centre, visit our COVID-19 page.
I have a pacemaker, is it safe for me to participate?
We are not using any technology which should interfere with pacemakers.
Lashing Skies is not recommended for people with a history of seizures, epilepsy, and sensitivity to flashing lights.
Roam the space freely but carefully.
Please wait for instructions from the mediators before settling in and beginning your experience.
If you have any problems, stay still and raise your hand. A mediator will be with you shortly.
Please be careful with the equipment.
Please remain silent during the experience to respect others.
For your safety, high heels are not permitted.
A few copies are currently available at Librairie Bertrand, one block away from the PHI Centre. Take the exit located on Saint-Pierre Street, turn right and cross the street safely. It will be 200 meters away.
Address: 430 Saint-Pierre Street, Montreal, QC H2Y 2M5
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone number: 514-849-4533
Enjoy!
To help extend your audio experience, your Lashing Skies ticket also gives you access to two additional immersive experiences: Living Sound and Eternal by Darkfield Radio.
Centre
Presented for the first time in Canada, ETERNAL is a 20 minute immersive audio experience for one person, alone in a bed
Dolby Atmos Mix
Centre
Tune out outside noise and immerse yourself in one of Montreal's only spatial audio listening rooms. The artists: Dominique Fils-Aimé, Michael Gary Dean, SlowPitchSound and Tanya Tagaq
Centre
Presented for the first time in Canada, ETERNAL is a 20 minute immersive audio experience for one person, alone in a bed
Dolby Atmos Mix
Centre
Tune out outside noise and immerse yourself in one of Montreal's only spatial audio listening rooms. The artists: Dominique Fils-Aimé, Michael Gary Dean, SlowPitchSound and Tanya Tagaq
Co-produced by:
With the financial support of:
CONCEPTION
Director: Brigitte Poupart
Author: Madeleine Monette
Scenographer: Sarah Migos
Accessories Designer: Nadine Jaafar
Lighting Designer: Martin Labrecque
SOUND DESIGN
Interactive Sound Development & Design / Creative Audio Direction: La Hacienda Creative inc.
Audio Director: Brian D'Oliveira
Lead Technical Sound Designer/Integrator: Marie-Hélène Vallières-Riendeau
Integrator and Sound Designer: Rudy Duro
Sound Designer: Marc-André Labelle
Sound Designer: Julien Levesque
Sound Designer: Mark Latimer
Audio Production Co-ordinator: Christian Graham
Narration Recording and Editing: Philippe Rochefort
Immersive Sound Designer (prototyping): Jean-Pascal Beaudoin
Audio design and integration (prototyping): Joel-Aimé Beauchamp
Featuring the English voices of:
Micheline Lanctôt
FABjustfab
Douglas Grégoire
Phoebe Greenberg
Special collaboration with Rufus Wainwright and Madeleine Monette
Featuring the French voices of:
Isabel dos Santos
Betty Bonifassi
Rabah Aitouyahia
Dany Laferrière
Special collaboration with Madeleine Monette and Rufus Wainwright
Casting of additional narrator voice by: Casting Mélanie Ranger
Featuring the album titled The Disintegration Loops
Composer/Performer: William Basinski
Label: 2062 / Temporary Residence Ltd.
Music for Milk of the Sky: Solétudes
Additional Music Composition for Milk of the Sky: Noah Rosa
EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION
Executive Producer: Emilie Heckmann
Producer of Immersive Experiences: Coline Delbaere
PRODUCTION
Production Director: Isabelle Brodeur
Project Manager: Jenny Jodoin
Technical Director: Michaël Lefebvre
Assistant Technical Director: Eric Lessard
Custom manufacturing workshop: Atelier Morel Leroux inc.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Director of Technology: Marc-André Nadeau
Technical Manager & Backend Developer: Thomas Azoug
Lead Developer: Jonathan Hardy
Technician: Ke Medley
3D Artist: Samuel Comtois
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Chief, New Media Partnerships and PR: Myriam Achard
Public Relations Project Manager: Pierre-Olivier Marinier Leseize
MARKETING
Marketing Director: Scarlett Martinez
Marketing Strategist & Lead: Jeremy Leith
Content Marketing Manager: Emmy Landre
Marketing Project Manager: Kevin Delaney
Artistic Director: Michel Ouellette
Box Office Manager: Alejandra Ariza
Photographer: Fred Gervais
SPECIAL THANKS
Free
Centre
The PHI Centre showcases a light installation with evolving content, adapting to the seasons and exhibitions
Limited Places
Centre
An immersive experience that traces the story of Claudette Colvin and her fight for civil rights in 1950s Alabama
Limited Places
Centre
An interactive virtual reality adventure that takes audiences back to the heyday of the UK’s illegal Acid House rave scene of the late 1980’s
Dolby Atmos Mix
Centre
Tune out outside noise and immerse yourself in one of Montreal's only spatial audio listening rooms. The artists: Dominique Fils-Aimé, Michael Gary Dean, SlowPitchSound and Tanya Tagaq
Off-Site Location
The immersive experience Horizon of Khufu, presented in the Old Port, is a unique VR expedition to discover the wonders of Egypt
Free
Centre
A monthly gathering of live performances where art comes to life
Album Launch Show
Centre
The multidisciplinary artist presents the minimal pop and electronic sounds of her first solo project, Les manières de table
Free
Centre
The PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art presents a conversation with artists Sonia Boyce, Rajni Perera, and Marigold Santos, hosted by Cheryl Sim, Managing Director and Curator at the PHI Foundation