Le Diamant Theatre

[3] In addition, with the use of cutting-edge technology, such as sophisticated lighting and sound systems, a retractable orchestra pit, and a hydraulic stage, the building is created to host complex performances.

[5] A buyer by the name of Harold Braff traded a portion of the building to the France-Film company, which led to the redevelopment of the original YMCA to make space for the new Cinema de Paris.

In 1999, the Cinema de Paris closes, and in 2011, the multidisciplinary production company, Ex Machina, under the artistic direction of Robert Lepage, becomes the new building owner.

[citation needed] Through the use of masonry textures, structural openings, and fine detailing, the silhouette of the YMCA building reflects the characteristics of this architectural style.

[7] In its present state, Le Diamant Theatre has added a gem-like prism connecting the heritage building to the new performance hall.

[8] At the apex of the prism, there emerges an opening that extends out towards the reconstructed roof of the YMCA building, creating a terrace overlooking Place d'Youville.

[9] The faceted glass volume, which is treated with an upward, progressive translucence to indicate a new cultural location, doubles as an atrium during the day and an urban lantern at night.

[9] The photogravure process enables the blank façade to arise and disappear according to an optical effect of shadows and light, as well as the positions of the public and the sun.

[9] After walking through the entrance and down the diamond mimicking hallway, comes the center of Le Diamant, situated between the former YMCA building and the new performance hall.

[10] The atrium is adjacent on one side by a substantial glass wall that extends diagonally through the former YMCA and, in contrast, on the other by the performance hall's new opaque volume made of unfinished concrete.

[9] The second floor foyer continues towards the glass volume that exposes the entrance to the public plaza as it extends itself in the direction of the rue des Glacis.

[11] According to Robert Lepage, a renowned French Canadian theatre director and playwright, Le Diamant was constructed to enrich the Quebec community's cultural life and promote artistic exchange, creativity, and inclusivity.

The performance examined how Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians relate to one another and spurred a national, controversial dialogue on cultural appropriation and representation in the arts.