Le Theatre Francais De Toronto Presents LES ZINSPIRES: SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION

Théâtre français de Toronto is proud to present the sixth edition of its successful series, Les Zinspirés. Directed by Chanda Gibson, Les Zinspirés: Six degrees of separation will be presented at the Berkeley Street Theatre, from December 1 through December 9, 2017, with English surtitles available on December 1, 5 and 9.

Since its inception, Les Zinspirés has been consistently nominated for Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Theatre for Young Audiences in the categories of Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Performance - Ensemble and Outstanding Direction, with Sébastien Bertrand nabbing the award for Outstanding Direction in 2016.

Les Zinspirés lets us hear the thoughts and concerns of today's youth, however brutal, broken and outrageous they may be. Here are five unique stories developed with the help of professional writers. Here is an original production written by five teenagers from southern Ontario and performed by professional actors. Here is a window into the future of our society.

Monet Monet, by Catalina Lu, tells us the story of Geoffrey, a mediocre young painter who struggles to find his place in a family filled with creative talent. Will his endearing personality win him the artistic recognition he craves?

In My House, Maxime Cardinal offers us the story of Aliena, who struggles to find his place in society after being imprisoned for murder. The play reveals fragments from his past that haunt him and continue to hold him in a prison that he has never really left.

An Evening with Jesus, by Anca Maglaviceanu, portrays a fantastical evening in which Mary comes face to face with Jesus - the real Jesus. A zany story, a modern-day saviour, a bubbly teenager. In short, a story to make the audience laugh - and question its relation to success, whether academic, social or virtual.

Armando Muheto, author of Hugh in Search of Freedom, invites us to hear the suffering of a teenager held captive in a besieged city. He tries to manage a normal adolescence while finding his place in a family shattered by war.

In Let's Find Love, Adèle Lukusa presents Rose, who finds herself the heroine of a TV reality show against her will. Wooed by three suitors, each dumber than the last, she tries to demonstrate that, yes, you can assert yourself as a liberated woman.

The comedies invite us to reflect on the paradox between the desire to free ourselves and establish our independence while seeking validation from our family. The dramas show the challenges of maturing - or just trying to survive in a hostile environment.

Directed by Chanda Gibson. With Constant Bernard, Mathieu Bourassa, Meilie Ng, Mélanie Paiement and Nabil Traboulsi.

TfT thanks its partners: VIA Rail Canada (Seasonal Sponsor), BMO Financial Group, Theater Department of the University of Ottawa, Ontario Ministry of Education (Program Partners for Youth) and TD Bank (sponsor of the surtitles).

IF YOU GO:
Les Zinspirés : six degrees of separation
A production of Théâtre français de Toronto
Texts by Catalina Lu, Maxime Cardinal, Anca Maglaviceanu, Amando Muheto and Adèle Lukusa | Directed by Chanda Gibson | Competition coordinator: Pierre Simpson | Sound: Ben Gibson and Martin McLaughlin | Set Design: Glenn Davidson | Costumes and Accessories: Jennifer Goodman
In French (with English subtitles): December 1-9, 2017
Berkeley Street Theatre (Upstairs) | 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto
Première Friday, December 1, 2017 at 8 pm
Tickets: Regular: $ 26 | Senior: $ 26 | Under 30 & Artists: $ 19 | Pay what you can on Wednesdays and Thursdays | Saturday Rush: $ 20 at the door | Group rate for 8 or more: $ 25 per ticket
Box Office: 416.534.6604 or theatrefrancais.com

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