Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) presents CONVICTIONS: a brand new creation written by Lara Arabian, directed by Djennie Laguerre and starring Lara Arabian, Sheila Ingabire Isaro and Nabil Traboulsi.

The inaugural event for CONVICTIONS takes place on Friday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Street Theatre, offering a preview for audiences wishing to see the play exclusively. This exceptional occasion precedes the performance of the play in Limoges, France, as part of the Festival Les Zébrures d'automne on September 22 and 23. This artistic journey beyond our borders marks a historic first for Théâtre français de Toronto, illustrating its desire to extend its reach abroad.

Following its international premiere, CONVICTIONS will be officially presented to Toronto audiences from September 27 to October 1, 2023, again at the Berkeley Street Theatre.

The work, the brainchild of playwright and performer Lara Arabian, saw the light of day in 2021 as a podcast radio-series, co-produced with ICI Ontario during the periods of confinement imposed by the pandemic. Already played at the time by Nabil Traboulsi and Sheila Ingabire Isaro, these two performers return to their respective roles, this time accompanied by Lara Arabian, who signs her theatrical adaptation and joins the cast. This fascinating evolution of the work demonstrates the adaptability and perseverance of the artistic team.

SYNOPSIS: The Khourrys, a family of Lebanese-Canadian origin, have recently moved to a Toronto suburb. Their convictions are soon put to the test when Zara, their 13-year-old daughter, begins to hear a mysterious voice speaking to her.

Where do our convictions come from? Are they inherited from our families? Influenced by those around us? Our upbringing? Or our relationship with religion? This play questions the place of our socio-cultural heritage, while our personal lives and experiences inevitably shape our own convictions.

Commenting on her work, the author says: "Strident voices, red lines drawn in the sand, the cancel culture: our world is increasingly polarized, with people's beliefs becoming the emblem of their identity, of their “side”. COVID has brought all this to the fore, and although CONVICTIONS never explicitly mentions the pandemic, the play is intended as a reflection of our current society and the politics of belief and identity in 2023."

CONVICTIONS

Produced by Théâtre français de Toronto

Text: Lara Arabian | Direction: Djennie Laguerre| Performance: Lara Arabian, Sheila Ingabire Isaro and Nabil Traboulsi | Lighting and Set Design: Sébastian Marziali| Sound Design: Armen Bazarian| Costume and Props Design: Sophie Duguin | Production Manager: Mathieu Taillardas | Stage Manager: Patrick Lynn

Show: Preview September 15, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night September 27 at 7:30 p.m. September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. September 30 at 3 pm and October 1 at 1:30 pm at Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St.)

Duration: 90 minutes

Prices: Regular: $45 | Seniors (65+): $35 | Under 30 and Artists: $20 | Pay what you want ($10, $15 or $20) on the day of the performance | Group rate for 8 or more: $20 per ticket

Box office: 416.534.6604 or theatrefrancais.com.

Photo: Nabil Traboulsi, Sheila Ingabire Isaro and Lara Arabian. © 2023 Mathieu Taillardas.