As youngsters, Joey and Michel love putting on shows, performing for family and friends. How else to express their true colors in the working-class Quebec of the 60s and 70s where they grew up? To break free and survive, the two brothers each find their own way. One becomes an actor in Vancouver, the other shines on the Montreal drag scene before becoming the woman she always felt she was. But can one truly blossom when their identity tragically clashes with the roles society imposes upon them?
Joey Lespérance’s first solo show, of autobiographical inspiration, paints a portrait full of contrasts, depicting a brave, marginal and tumultuous journey. By breathing new life into the lost dream of his sibling Michel(le), the Vancouver artist’s unique and vibrant voice carries onward the memory of singular destinies, too often forgotten.
Production Théâtre la Seizième
Ideation, text and performance Joey Lespérance
Direction Esther Duquette
Set design & props Patrice Charbonneau-Brunelle
Costume design Linda Brunelle
Sound design Pierre-Luc Clément
Lighting design Sophie Tang
Movement Noam Gagnon
Makeup Florence Cornet
Dramaturgy Esther Duquette, Craig Holzschuh
Surtitles translation Leanna Brodie
External advisors Dave Deveau, Joëlle Perras, Jaylene Tyme
Stage management Dominique Cuerrier
Technical direction Pierre Tripard
Production direction Clémence Doray, Jessie Dumais, Mélina Mariotte
Support for creation Centre de service of Théâtre aux Écuries
With the support of Y.P Heung Foundation Gaëtan Nerincx
Production photos
Joey would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts, the John Moffat and Larry Lillo Prize and Théâtre la Seizième for their financial support; Craig Holzschuh and Esther Duquette for their indispensable dramaturgical advice, which enlightened his journey as a young playwright; Dave Deveau for his drag-aturgical advice; Rachel Peake, Cory Haas, Alain Grégoire and Vincent Forcier for their presence at the first staged reading and for their invaluable comments; David Paquet for his attentive reading and comments; Susan Miyagishima and Gaëtan Nerincx for their contribution to the first dramaturgy workshop; Steve Jodoin of L’UniThéâtre for saying yes from the start; France Perras, Nathalie Trépanier, Jessica Heafey for their encouragement, support and readings of Michel(le) ; Gilles Poulin-Denis for his time and guidance at the very beginning of the process; Jaylene Tyme and Joëlle Perras for their trans-positive points of view; his partner John Whistler for his unconditional love throughout the four years of creation; and Richard Wolfe of Pi Theatre for being the catalyst for this project.
Special thanks to his sibling Michel(le) Lespérance for their unique and rich story. It takes a community. Thank you!
This show addresses some sensitive topics that may not be suitable for everyone. Please contact our box office via email at ventes@seizieme.ca or by phone at 604-736-1626 for more information.
Free psychological support is available before and after the performance on Saturday June 1 at the Maison de la Francophonie. Clinical counselor Janèle Lajoie will be available for attendees who wish to speak. To find out more, visit our cultural outreach page.
