Photo Flash: First Look at ESPOIR/ESPWA at Theatre Francais de Toronto

ESPOIR/ESPWA (the word hope in both French and Haitian Creole) is a story of hope following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The production, written and performed by Edwige Jean-Pierre, Djennie Laguerre and Carline Zamar, runs at Théâtre français de Toronto, now through March 6, 2016, with opening night slated for tomorrow, February 26. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the trio onstage below!

The play follows three Haitian women: one who has never set foot on the land of her ancestors, one who returns following the devastating earthquake and a third who has never left. They share a common desire to not dwell on sadness and misery. The goal was to present a Haiti beyond ideas of misery, to showcase a country rich in culture, history, and human endurance.

An original French language production created right here in Toronto, featuring live music by internationally acclaimed roots rock musical artist Paul Beaubrun and Senegalese drummer Tamsir Seck. The play will be in French and Creole, with English surtitles, bien sûr!

Directed by Guy Mignault (also dramaturg), assisted by Alex Côté, ESPOIR/ESPWA features set design by Jorge Sandoval, costume design by Nina Okens, lighting design by Alain Richer, music by Tamsir Seck, and stage management by Gabriel Dubé.

Performances play Le Théâtre français de Toronto, Berkeley Street Theatre - 26 Berkeley St., Upstairs. Tickets: Adults: $45 to $49; Seniors (65 +): $38 to $42; Under 30: $30. Special discounts: Pay-What-You-Can Wednesdays and $20 Rush tickets Saturday evenings (in both cases: purchase at the door, 1 hour prior to performance, cash only). Box Office: www.theatrefrancais.com, (416) 534-6604 or 1-800-819-4981.

Photo Credit: Marc Lemyre