Maurice explores resilience and reinvents language, at Théâtre La Seizième to April 20
Play tells true story of an economist whose stroke left him aphasic—and his character communicates with the help of an audience member
Théâtre La Seizième presents Maurice at Studio 16 to April 20, at 7:30 pm. Presented in French with English surtitles, except for April 19
FALLING SOMEWHERE between improvisation, drama, and documentary, theatre artist Anne-Marie Olivier’s moving show Maurice won Quebec’s Prix de la critique for Best Performance last year, as well as the esteemed Prix Paul-Hébert.
Now Vancouverites have a short chance to catch the inventive work, which tells the true story of economist Maurice Dancause, who became aphasic following a devastating stroke at just 33. Through the ordeal, he spent nine days in a coma, then four years in rehabilitation, and came out with altered tastes, a new personality, and an inability to communicate the way he used to in the past.
The actress and playwright, who met Maurice at a 60th birthday party, knew immediately that she wanted to bring his story of resilience to the stage.
And so she does at Studio 16 this week, with a unique twist: while she slips into the shoes of the brilliant economist, an audience member steps up to help bring his story to fruition—to help Maurice find the words.
In essence, Olivier is attempting to re-create a conversation like the one she had a few years ago with the real Maurice. The Maurice character and the audience member end up coming up with a language all their own.
The setup carries huge risk and rewards. The guest joins Olivier at a small table under a hanging lamp, a small refrigerator with a choice of drinks at their side. The rest of the audience may take a hand in helping that guest decode some of Maurice’s overflowing ideas that he struggles to articulate.
That's all we'll reveal about this intimate theatrical experience. Expect to go home with a new appreciation for the gift of communication and the power of words—not to mention a renewed sense of living life to the fullest. 
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