Théâtre la Seizième unveils 2023-2024 programming for 49th season
A political Franco-Haitian choral piece, Shakespeare for kids with a feminist twist, and more in all-French show lineup
SPONSORED POST BY Théâtre la Seizième
L’amour telle une cathédrale ensevelie. Photo by Christophe Péan
Théâtre la Seizième announces the programming in store for their 49th season, which opens in October. It consists of seven works that showcase the human experience within the community, in all its facets and complexities.
As the company approaches its 50th anniversary, the theatrical year will also be punctuated by a number of activities, collective moments, and firsts.
Cory Haas, who succeeded Esther Duquette as artistic and managing director of Théâtre la Seizième in April, says in a release: “I have the honour of presenting the last season [Duquette] has envisioned for you. This year, face the incomparable, tragic, and even zany destinies of the human beings who share their stories with you.”
The mainstage programming will include four shows featuring unique and striking life journeys. The season opens on October 11 at Studio 16 with Théâtre la Seizième’s production Michel(le), the first play by Vancouver-based author and performer Joey Lespérance, directed by Duquette.
The Franco-Haitian political and choral piece L’amour telle une cathédrale ensevelie will have its Canadian premiere in February 2024, in partnership with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and SFU Woodward’s Cultural Programs.
Malaise dans la civilisation. Photo by Julie Artacho
Two Quebec productions will complete the programming in the spring: Malaise dans la civilisation, a philosophical and playful laboratory by Étienne Lepage and Alix Dufresne, co-presented with Pi Theatre; and Maurice, a tour-de-force performance by playwright and actor Anne-Marie Olivier, which explores themes of reconstruction and resilience. Performances with subtitles in English are offered for all four plays.
This year, the company is also adapting its young audience performances. Je suis William, a feminist spin on Shakespeare’s mythology by Rébecca Déraspe, will be presented with Carousel Theatre for Young People at the Waterfront Theatre.
Following the success of Théâtre La Seizième’s first early childhood performance last season, little ones aged 2 to 6 will have the opportunity to live another theatrical experience in November with the play Hermanitas by Quebec company Le Théâtre des Petites Âmes. And La Befana, a new play for young audiences by Anaïs Pellin produced by Théâtre La Seizième, will tour elementary schools in the province starting in April 2024.
More information can be found at seizieme.ca.
Post sponsored by Théâtre la Seizième.
Je suis William. Photo by François Godard