Michel(le)

Autobiography of identity

2023-09-12 19:00 2023-09-13 21:00 60 Canada/Eastern 🎟 NAC: Michel(le)

https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/34582

In-person event

Make memory shine  As children, Joey and Michel used to stage themselves in shows that they would present to their family and friends. Difficult, otherwise, to display their true colors in the working-class Quebec of the 60s and 70s where they grew up. To escape this harsh reality, Michel and his brother Joey found their way into the art scene. Joey embarked on a busy acting career in Vancouver, while Michel shone on the Montréal drag scene. Then came the ultimate liberation: Michel...

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Arts Court — Theatre,2 Daly Avenue,Ottawa,Canada
September 12 - 13, 2023
September 12 - 13, 2023
Arts Court — Theatre 2 Daly Avenue Ottawa Canada
This event has passed
Special Events Francophone Theatre
  • In-person event
  • Français
  • ≈ 1 hour and 20 minutes · No intermission

Make memory shine 

As children, Joey and Michel used to stage themselves in shows that they would present to their family and friends. Difficult, otherwise, to display their true colors in the working-class Quebec of the 60s and 70s where they grew up. To escape this harsh reality, Michel and his brother Joey found their way into the art scene. Joey embarked on a busy acting career in Vancouver, while Michel shone on the Montréal drag scene. Then came the ultimate liberation: Michel would become Michelle, the woman she had always been, deep down … until the day when external forces overruled her true identity. Is it possible to live fully when you don’t fit the roles society imposes on you? 

This first autobiographical solo by actor Joey Lespérance paints a complex and nuanced portrait of a marginal and courageous existence. Directed by Esther Duquette, this powerful statement brings to life the lost dream of Joey’s “bro-sister” Michel(le), who always wanted to be in theatre. May their memory shine on our stage to eclipse the injustice. 

  • Production Théâtre la Seizième
  • Ideation, written and performed by Joey Lespérance
  • Directed and dramaturgy by Esther Duquette
  • Scenography and accessories Patrice Charbonneau-Brunelle
  • Costumes Linda Brunelle
  • Sound design Pierre-Luc Clément
  • Lighting Sophie Tang
  • Movement Noam Gagnon
  • Dramaturgy Craig Holzschuh
  • Stage management Dominique Cuerrier
  • Technical direction Pierre Tripard
  • Production management Clémence Doray and Jessie Dumais
  • External advisors Dave Deveau, Joëlle Perras and Jaylene Tyme
  • Artistic and general direction of Théâtre La Seizième Cory Haas
  • Administrative direction Catherine Ballachey
  • Makeup conception Florence Cornet