Lev Berenshteyn has created a photography exhibit that celebrates longtime employees at the National Arts Centre.
Longtime violinist Lev Berenshteyn has stepped off the stage to celebrate those who work behind the scenes of the National Arts Centre through his photography.
Berenshteyn, has been a violinist with the NAC orchestra, performing in the limelight, since 1984. He got into photography six years ago and now calls it his second love.
Berenshteyn says he took on the role of photographer for the exhibition, “Working Together,” to show his respect for those who work off-stage.
“The usher that guests meet in the hallway, and the cleaning lady or the cleaning man or the parking attendant or the light-man or the electrician or whoever, are as important in the production of that night’s show as any of the musicians who are on stage,” says Berenshteyn. “Their part is indispensable.”
The exhibition was commissioned by the NAC to celebrate employees who have spent 25, 30, 35 and 40 years with the organization.
The exhibition debuted late last month, coinciding with the NAC’s 2011 employee awards ceremony. Berenshteyn and some other helping hands set up the exhibit in the NAC’s Southam Hall while the ceremony was going on in Fourth Stage.
Berenshteyn waited anxiously for when the ceremony concluded and the honoured employees would see their portraits for the first time. When they filed into Southam Hall and saw what Berenshteyn had captured there was collective excitement.
The portraits ranged from black and white to colour. Some were taken at work and others showed the employee with their hobbies – Douglas Burden was pictured on his motorcycle.
Among the portraits on display was that of Michel Sanscartier, who works in production as property master (in charge of props) and has been with the NAC for 25 years. In the photo he sits on the red-carpeted stairs of the theatre.
When Berenshteyn took the photo he asked what Sanscartier did for fun. The answer: target shooting.
Being property master requires a Possession and Acquisition License for handling firearms backstage. Sanscartier says a good half of the shows the NAC puts on use weapons.
“I figured that since I got it, to feel more comfortable when they do arrive – the guns and rifles and swords or what-not – that I should get into it,” says Sanscartier.
Antonio Cardoso worked in the department of operations as instrumentation technician. After 35 years with the NAC he is now retired. He says he raises birds which is represented in his portrait where he is holding a caged red canary.
He explained how nice it was to see his photo on display as a co-worker patted his back and complimented his portrait.
In each of the portraits Berenshteyn captures a story. “They have something so interesting in them and when you talk to them through the lens – if I am lucky – sometimes they reveal something about themselves that’s just absolutely incredible,” he says.
“Working Together” will be on display in the main foyer of Southam Hall until Dec. 11.