University Players presents Canadian Classic Les Belles Soeurs
A revolutionary work of Canadian theatre, the second half of University Players’ 59th season begins with rich satirical comedy in Michel Tremblay’s Les Belles Soeurs, translated into English by John Van Burek and Bill Glassco.
With the cast consisting entirely of female actors, the story centres around Germaine Lauzon, who won herself a million Gold Star stamps in a lottery. Overwhelming for one person to handle, Germaine invites neighbours and relatives to help stamp them onto booklets so she can redeem them for prizes. As the women work at the task, they speak to each other about politics, religion, the men in their lives and themselves. But while they reveal deeply moving truths, they are robbing Germaine of her precious stamps, creating a darkly comedic production.
Director Lezlie Wade says the play weaves through numerous tones and themes, with many of its social statements remaining applicable to this day. In presenting the dynamic relationships between the female ensemble, at least a dozen women will be on the stage at any given point throughout the play, something Wade says is among the productions’ greatest challenges.
Ultimately, Wade describes this Canadian classic as not only “incredibly well written,” but one that had a profound effect on Quebec culture at the time of its premiere.
“I think if you have any experience seeing theatre, you’ll notice immediately how it influenced other plays and writers as well,” Wade says. “It really stresses the importance of relationships that women have with women, and how they can be empowering and they can be destructive. We can help each other, or we can hinder each other, and I think the play shows you both sides of that.”
Les Belles Soeurs opened February 2 and continues through February 11 at Essex Hall Theatre on the University of Windsor campus. The Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 to $22 and can be purchased at www.UniversityPlayers.com or by calling 519-253-3000 ext. 2808.