Stage Door News
Stage Door News
From the company that produced the spectacular multi-media production L’Implorante, Théâtre La Tangente returns with Americandream.ca. Original and audacious, this bilingual work by Claude Guilmain, first part of a trilogy, will feature choreographed movement and video projections. Presented at Theatre Glendon from June 18 to 22, the show will be offered with English audio translation.
We are led to believe that anything is possible and if faith is not enough, happiness, like everything else, is a commodity that can be bought. But the American dream is a mirage and in the case of the Cardinal family, disappointment is a heritage that has been passed on from generation to generation. This project was inspired by the parable of the talents (Matthew XXV, 14-30) that could very well be interpreted by some as a seed for capitalism.
Americandream.ca is the story of three siblings, Alain, Maude and Claude Cardinal, three baby-boomers who have gathered to celebrate Alain’s 50th birthday along with his wife Pat, and Maude’s two adult children, Brigitte and Émilie, six characters, each living a personal tragedy that only the spectators will be privy to. After too many years of keeping up appearances, will the masks fall away under the pressure?
The background of this story takes us to New York city in the late 1930’s where the protagonists’ grand father, Joseph Cardinal, has brought his wife and son from a small town in Québec in search of a brighter future. Joseph is a gambler and it doesn’t take long for him to accumulate debts. And one day in 1942, he simply disappears forcing his wife and son to return to Québec. Alain, Maude and Claude will have never known “the shame” of the family, as their grandfather was referred to in hushed tones while they were growing up. No one is really certain of when, where or even if he has died.
The eventual discovery of their grand father’s fate will have a very different effect on the paths Alain, Maude and Claude’s lives will take.
Co-directed by Claude Guilmain and Louise Naubert. Louise is the recipient of the 2012 John Hirsch Director’s Award. Featuring Geviève Dufour, Bernard Meney, Louise Naubert, Pier Paquette, Anne-Sophie Quemener and Gisèle Rousseau.
Set designer: Claude Guilmain; Lighting Designer: Guillaume Houët; Visual effects, Co-set designer, Technical director: Duncan Appleton; Soundscape and original music: Claude Naubert; Choreography: Sylvie Bouchard; Photography and Stage management: Aurélien Muller.
Claude Guilmain is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. His inspiration to write Americandream.ca came, in part, while shooting a documentary on the Royal 22nd Regiment in Afghanistan last season for the National Film Board (NFB). The second chapter in the Americandream.ca trilogy will be developed and produced in 2014 and the third chapter in 2015.
June 18 to 22 at 8PM
Theatre Glendon
2275 Bayview Ave., Toronto
Tickets: 20$ à 35$ | Box Office: 416 947-7909 | www.americandream.ca
2013-05-14
Toronto: Théâtre La Tangente presents “Americandream.ca/Chapter One” June 18-22