Theatre francais de Toronto to Present LES ZINSPIRES 2.0, Begin. 11/20

Théâtre français de Toronto is proud to present Les Zinspirés 2.0, a unique, original and highly popular show written by five GTA high school students, reworked by professional writers and performed by professional actors. For the first time this year, there will be two public performances with English surtitles on November 20 and 22 for the general public with school matinées the week of November 18.

Les Zinspirés is a contest in schools where more than 150 students submit short stories. 20 stories are reworked from which 5 are selected. With the help of professional coaches and actors, a show is mounted and performed at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Year after year, the results are astonishing. Last year's instalment was nominated for two Dora Awards: Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance - Ensemble. This year, the five young writers have woven stories that take us through the crazy maze that is our Hospital system. With stories that are equally ridiculous and heart-wrenching, we dare you to come out unscathed...

On the program this year:

Bellac the Idiot by Gabriel Chaumont, É.s.c. Père-René-de-Gallinée, Cambridge

From his hospital bed, exasperated teen Gab tells us the story of his hilariously wreckless best friend, Bellac, whose crazy daredevil ATV shenanigans have made both of them a sight for sore eyes.

How To Be a Heartbreaker by Eleni Kolovos, É.s. Étienne-Brûlé, Toronto

All's fair in Love and War, right? A feisty and intelligent teen coaches her fellow heartbreakers online - detailing the victories and defeats of teen dating. She'll stop at nothing to capture young men's hearts - and then teach them a lesson

The Other Side of the World by Célia Ferrag, É.s. Étienne-Brûlé, Toronto

A sensitive and insightful Arab-Canadian teen recounts her visit to her native middle-eastern country and how a tragic event has changed the way she views her birthplace.

The Breakup de Karen Sehi, É.s.c. Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel, Toronto

Sonia, a colourful and lively young nurse, shares her obsession with her favourite TV series and how she's fallen head over heels for its leading man. Now nothing can tear her away - except a broken heart...

The Deep New Sea by Emma Bogler, Havergal College, Toronto

A flash flood has submerged the city. A resourceful tomboy has climbed a giant tree to stay dry. From her vantage point, she shares her witty and sarcastic opinions on over-consumption and her tree-hugging mother's battle with illness.

Directed by Pierre Simpson. With Mélanie Beauchamp, Jessica Bornais Hill, Mélanie Bray, Nico Racicot and Bahareh Yaraghi. Set and props: Stewart Simpson; Costumes: Melanie McNeill; Lighting: Simon Rossiter; Soundscape: Gabriel Dubé; Surtitles: Gunta Dreifields; Stage Management: Gabriel Dubé.