Thomas Hellman brings ancient myths to life in Mythomane
Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter
At the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, the boundaries between theatre, music, and storytelling
dissolve as Thomas Hellman’s new show Mythomane invites audiences on an extraordinary
journey into the heart of Greek mythology. The evening promises not only a reimagining of
ancient tales but an immersive experience that blends song, story, and reflection on humanity’s
oldest questions.
Hellman, a multi-talented Québécois author, composer, and storyteller, has long been fascinated
with the intersection of performance and the spoken word. In Mythomane , he takes this
exploration further than ever before, transforming the stage into a living canvas where music,
history, and myth converge. The production, which runs on February 7, at Cabaret La Basoche,
captures the essence of ancient myths while making them relevant to the complexities of
today’s world.
“The inspiration for Mythomane came very naturally,” Hellman recalls. “During the pandemic, I
went on a canoe-camping trip with my daughter and her cousins. It rained almost the whole
time, and so around the campfire, I began telling them Greek myths. I would punctuate the
stories with folk songs passed down in my American family. The girls were fascinated, and I was
too. It felt as though the myths came to life in the same way a folk song does.”
His performance method is deeply personal, intuitive, and captivating. Hellman’s transformation
from musician to storyteller occurred organically, as the lines between the music and the
narration blurred. “I became a storyteller without even realizing it, but it was always a musical
form of storytelling. The music speaks as much as the words themselves,” he says with a smile.
It was these informal sessions, sitting by the fire and weaving old tales into modern folk
melodies, that ultimately sparked the idea for Mythomane . The production marks a significant
step in his creative evolution, a shift toward something deeper and more immersive, combining
elements of theatre, concert, and oral literature in a seamless performance. Hellman’s work,
long praised for its innovation, is now at the intersection of multiple artistic expressions, where
stories unfold through his guitar, his voice, and his presence.
The collaboration that brought Mythomane to life was no accident. Hellman worked closely with
Michel Faubert, a celebrated musician and storyteller, whom he describes as the ideal person to
direct the show. “Michel is an artist I’ve admired for a long time,” Hellman says. “When I decided
to turn the radio segment into a live show, I knew Michel was the one who could help bring the
traditional Quebec storytelling into the mix. He is a master at intertwining these forms, and his
contribution has been invaluable.”
Faubert’s direction has ensured the performance’s authenticity, particularly through the inclusion
of archival materials that connect Quebec’s oral traditions to ancient myths. Mythomane also
features a soundscape composed by Olaf Gundel, a close collaborator of Hellman’s for over two
decades. “Olaf and I have developed a musical chemistry that goes beyond accompaniment,”
Hellman explains. “In this show, the music is as much a character as the stories themselves. It
punctuates, complements, and deepens the meaning of the words.”
The thematic core of Mythomane is the exploration of creation—of the universe, of gods, and of
humanity itself. For Hellman, the ancient Greek myths offer profound insights into the human
condition, insights that resonate as much today as they did thousands of years ago. “These
stories are profound and timeless,” he says. “In times of turmoil, when everything seems to be
changing so rapidly, these ancient tales can offer guidance. They have a way of capturing
universal truths about life and death, creation and destruction. And they are, at their core,
stories meant to be told, shared, and remembered.”
The performance’s intimate setting at Cabaret La Basoche provides the perfect backdrop for
such a journey. Hellman believes the small space invites a closer connection between the
performers and the audience, creating a shared experience that blurs the boundaries between
stage and spectators. “In Mythomane , we are not just telling stories—we are inviting the
audience into a shared space of imagination,” he says. “The quiet, intimate setting of the
Cabaret makes the stories even more magical. We get to travel back in time together, and it’s a
truly immersive experience for everyone.”
As the world faces new challenges, Mythomane offers a moment to pause and reflect, to
engage with the power of narrative and memory. For Hellman, this show is a celebration of
human creativity—a return to the origins of storytelling and an acknowledgment of how far the
art form has come. “These myths are like poetry,” he says. “They expand our view of reality,
adding depth and nuance to our understanding of the world.”
Photo: Thomas Hellman’s Mythomane is an immersive performance that blends Greek
mythology, storytelling, and music, offering a contemporary take on ancient tales through a
unique theatrical experience. (TF) Photo: Mathieu Rivard
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