By Josef Spence – Contributor 

Research Week at Bishop’s University, held from March 17 to 22, showcased a diverse range of academic and creative inquiries across disciplines. While research is often associated with the sciences, this year’s event highlighted the integral role of research in the humanities and the arts. Among the standout presentations were those by documentary-filmmaker Lysandre Leduc-Boudreau and actor Marc-Antoine Kelertas, who offered compelling insights into how research shapes their work in film and theatre.

Research in Documentary Filmmaking

Leduc-Boudreau, an experienced documentary creator, has worked on a wide range of projects—from independent films to corporate productions. Throughout her presentation, she stressed the extensive research efforts in which she had participated throughout her career, noting that research could take different shapes depending on the project and the role that she exercised in it. Leduc-Boudreau described how before any documentary is filmed, a research package must be composed with extensive background information on the topic, including possible locations and participants. She described this as research in which one must become very invested, especially when interacting with possible participants.

This process, she explained, is not just about gathering data but about fully immersing oneself in the subject matter. This requires a careful balance of investigative rigor and ethical responsibility, ensuring that stories are told with accuracy and sensitivity. Her discussion challenged the misconception that research is solely an academic pursuit, illustrating how it plays a critical role in storytelling and media production.

Theatre as a Reflection of Life and Research

Kelertas, an accomplished stage and film actor, provided a unique perspective on research in the performing arts. He pointed to the importance of studying the meaning behind films and plays, while also stressing the importance of doing a habitual examination of the sensations and emotions of a variety of people and characters in order to better fill roles. He noted that “theatre is an interesting thing because it is a mirror of life … You’re trying to get down to the human condition and show it, bring it to an audience so they can see it for themselves: what we are and what we do as human beings. So life is research in that sense”.

Kelertas’ approach highlights how actors must conduct in-depth examinations of different personalities, historical contexts, and emotional landscapes to create authentic performances. He underscored that every role requires its own form of research, whether through script analysis, studying real-life figures, or drawing from personal experiences.

Broadening the Definition of Research

The insights shared by Leduc-Boudreau and Kelertas reaffirmed that research is not confined to laboratories or academic papers—it extends into every field, including the arts. Their experiences demonstrated that research in creative disciplines is often deeply personal and dynamic, evolving through interaction, exploration, and interpretation.

Research Week at Bishop’s University successfully challenged conventional notions of research, encouraging students and faculty to recognize the value of inquiry in all disciplines. Whether through film, theatre, or other creative fields, research remains an essential tool for understanding and representing the world around us.