Stage Door News

Toronto: Théâtre français de Toronto announces its 55th season

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is pleased to launch its new programming. Conceived by Karine Ricard, the 2022-2023 season represents both a return to its roots and a brand new beginning for the company. Not only does TfT offer a full line-up of plays, all of which will be performed live and in person this season, but it is also increasing the number of shows offered. The pandemic has brough to light the importance of the performing arts in our society. We were a theatre deprived of expression; you were an audience deprived of human connection. We dare to believe that this ordeal is behind us for good. This season is therefore both a remedy and what we prescribe: more live, in person theatre!

Karine Ricard describes her season as “entirely ‘Made in Canada’! For my very first full season as TfT’s Artistic Director, I am pleased to present a line-up conceived entirely by artists from the Canadian Francophonie. Whether it is the presentation of new original works from playwrights, collective creations or even translations... everything originates from local talent.

GENERAL AUDIENCE

The season opens with Manman La Mer, a Théâtre Catapulte production, presented from September 29 to October 2, 2022. Performed by Djennie Laguerre with great sensitivity, Manman La Mer puts Caribbean women and spirituality in the spotlight and explores with humour and authenticity the sometimes complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. TfT is excited to present this original creation, which was postponed several times due to the health crisis.

From October 13 to 16, 2022, TfT will present Un, Deux, Trois. created by Orange Noyée and Théâtre français du CNA. Presented in collaboration with Canadian Stage, this trilogy created by Mani Soleymanlou is nothing short of epic. The production features no less than 40 performers from across Canada.

From November 24 to December 10, 2022, Les Zinspiré.e.s returns to the stage. Constant Bernard helms this 10th edition of the acclaimed theatrical series entitled **_Les Zinspiré.e.s : Dix-joncté.e._s. _**It’s an important anniversary; one that called for an in-person celebration!

The first show of the new year will be Flush. Written and directed by Toronto multidisciplinary artist Marie-Claire Marcotte and co-produced by TfT, La Troupe du Jour and Fittonia Films, the play will run from February 1 to 5, 2023. The production already delighted audiences in Saskatoon last February.

From March 8 to 26, 2023, discover the astonishing nightly journey of Le Concierge (The Caretaker) as he goes from classroom to classroom, sweeping a school’s hidden corners. By Toronto creators Vincent Leblanc-Beaudoin and Daniele Bartolini, the show paints a touching portrait of a lonely character whose work is too often taken for granted. Le Concierge is TfT's first-ever site-specific show and will be performed in a downtown high school.

In an intimate, cramped space, witness the folly that is the real estate market in Southern Ontario. From April 19 to 23, 2023, schedule a viewing of Crawlspace; a comical, Kafkaesque play by Karen Hines and translated by Mishka Lavigne.

From May 10 to 13, 2023, come see and hear the first ever Franco-Ontarian musical by Créations In Vivo. Simultaneously funny and touching, VACHES, The Musical, speaks (and sings!), with earnest humour, about living together and about Franco-Ontarians "standing up" in the face of adversity.

Finally, TfT will announce the final show of its 2022-2023 season at a later date. It will be announced jointly with the other two arts organizations co-hosting this 'Surprise' production.

The shows will be presented at the Berkeley Street Theatre with the exception of Le Concierge (École secondaire catholique Saint-Frère-André) and Crawlspace (TfT Studio).

YOUNG AUDIENCES

In an ongoing effort to attract a new generation of theatre-goers, TfT will also present three plays for young audiences. First, Perruche, co-presented with Alliance français de Toronto (AFT) from December 7 to 10, 2022: the journey of a child who braves the dangers of an imaginary jungle to find his pet parakeet. Second, TfT presents Toqaq Mecimi Puwiht / Delphine rêve toujours from March 1 to 4, 2023: a creation by Wolastoqey playwright Dave Jenniss, that deals with themes of transmission and identity. Finally, Mesdames et messieurs, garçons et filles will be presented from May 17 to 20, 2023. This play immerses us in a family adapting to their child's sexual identity.

All shows are presented at Berkeley Street Theatre with the exception of Perruche (AFT’s Spadina Theatre).

WEBCAST

The company continues to offer three Web series produced during the pandemic: Les Zinspiré.e.s : Flambant 9 directed by Francesca Rubartelli Bárcenas; Contes à la belle étoile co-produced with TFO and Les Liaisons dangereuses : Correspondances inédites, an original eight-episode series written by Sébastien Bertrand and directed by Karine Ricard.

THE SEASON PASS

In order to facilitate this great return to theatre and to celebrate our new season, TfT has simplified its subscription packages. This year, a subscription takes the form of a "Season Pass" which gives pass holders access to all the General Audiences shows. The Season Pass represents a 50% saving on the price of single tickets and its purchase represents tangible financial support for TfT. Get your pass today!

Visit theatrefrancais.com.