Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) Presents Powerful Production of AMERICANDREAM.CA

For the first time, the Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) presents a production from Théâtre la Tangente, a Toronto-based company led by artists Claude Guilmain and Louise Naubert. TfT's Artistic Director, Joël Beddows is proud to present this contemporary cutting-edge piece penned by one of French Canada's most significant playwrights, Toronto's own Claude Guilmain. Modern, audacious and playful, this production has already received notice and applause across Canada. Told in two chapters, the audience is immersed in a vibrant, rich and stylized experience where text is combined with video and movement.

Inspired in part by a visit to Afghanistan where he filmed a documentary on the Royal 22e Regiment (the Van Doos) for the National Film Board of Canada, Guilmain challenges in this show the Canadian fascination with the American dream. With a meticulous eye and a unique perspective, the author questions the fundamentals of our collective vision, exposing our taboos and posing THE disturbing question: How American are we, really?

SUMMARY: The Cardinal family gathers to celebrate a birthday. Six characters, all of the same family, make small talk throughout the evening, although each one is living a personal drama shared only with the audience. As the saga unfolds, the mysterious disappearance of Joseph Cardinal, their grandfather, will take us from 1940's New York to that dark day in Dallas in November 1963. None of them knows when or where their grandfather died, but the unraveling of his fate will have a very different impact on each one of them.

The show is presented at the Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs to accommodate the technological needs of this exceptionally beautiful piece. As always, performances feature surtitles in English on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The two chapters run for 3 hours with an intermission.

With Sasha Dominique, Magalie Lemèle, Bernard Meney, Louise Naubert, Pier Paquette, and Anie Richer. Video participation: Stephan Dubeau and Rick Miller. Audio participation:Annie-Sophie Quemener.

The TfT thanks Via RAIL Canada, Scotiabank (show sponsors), TD Bank Group (surtitle sponsor); OLG (pay-what-you-can sponsor); godparents of the show: Pierre Karch and Mariel O'Neill-Karch.

Converging Views: in partnership with TfT, Alliance française de Toronto presents Le 22ème régiment en Afghanistan, a documentary film directed by Claude Guilmain. It will be shown on Thursday November 9, 2017 @ 7:30 pm, in the presence of the director. Spadina Theatre (24, Spadina Road, Toronto)

Americandream.ca
A production of Théâtre La Tangente presented by the Théâtre français de Toronto
Text and set design: Claude Guilmain | Directed by: Claude Guilmain and Louise Naubert | Movement: Sylvie Bouchard | Lighting design: Guillaume Houët | Image composition and technical direction: Duncan Appleton | Sound and original music: Claude Naubert
In French (with surtitles in English: November 16-18, 2017)
Berkeley St. Theatre (Downstairs) | 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto
Premiere : Thursday, November 16 at 7 pm
Tickets: Regular: $ 26 - $ 49 | Senior: $ 26 - $ 42 | Under 30 & Artists: $ 19 - $ 30 | 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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