Centaur Theatre Presents the Canadian Classic
FOR THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HER AGAIN
By Michel Tremblay | Translated by Linda Gaboriau | Directed by Alice Ronfard
May 13, 2025 to June 1, 2025 at Centaur Theatre
Montreal, QC (April 9, 2025) – The 56th season at Centaur Theatre celebrates the most iconic Montreal playwright, Michel Tremblay, in a brand-new production of For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, translated by the Governor General’s Award-winning Linda Gaboriau. Featuring the luminary actors Ellen David and Emmanuel Schwartz and directed by the esteemed Alice Ronfard, making her Centaur Theatre debut, this production celebrates the collaboration between the French and English communities that Centaur Theatre makes possible.
“I am so honoured to be able to invite Alice Ronfard to Centaur Theatre to direct Michel Tremblay’s iconic play about his mother. She is one of Quebec’s most renowned directors and brings a long creative relationship with Tremblay’s work, which will reveal it to our audience in a whole new way.” -Eda Holmes, Artistic & Executive Director, Centaur Theatre
Celebrate the legacy of Michel Tremblay (Les Belles-Soeurs), a master storyteller whose works have redefined Quebec theatre and resonated with audiences worldwide. For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again is a touching and witty homage to Tremblay’s mother, a strong-willed and charismatic woman whose passion for storytelling and fierce wit ignited his love for literature and theatre.
This heartfelt play offers a glimpse into the unique relationship that inspired Tremblay to become the celebrated artist he is today. Set against the backdrop of working-class Montreal in the 1950s and 1960s, the story is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through Tremblay’s dialogue, masterfully translated by the acclaimed Linda Gaboriau, the play takes the audience on an emotional journey filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the bittersweet difficulty of living with those prickly characters we can’t help but love.
The English-language premiere of this contemporary classic of Quebec drama took place at Centaur in 1998, and the production was hugely popular, going on to tour Canada and the United States. Centaur is thrilled to bring this masterpiece back to Montreal audiences in a new production directed by the luminary Alice Ronfard and featuring two of the brightest stars of the Montreal stage – Ellen David and Emmanuel Schwartz. We invite you once again to experience the warmth, humour, and passion that define Tremblay’s storytelling.
This play not only celebrates a cornerstone of Canadian theatre but also highlights the significance of translating Quebecois works for English-speaking audiences, an effort that enriches the cultural dialogue between Quebec and the rest of Canada. With the help of a talented creative team, the production provides a rare opportunity for English-speaking audiences to experience the emotional depth and theatrical brilliance of a classic Quebecois piece, making it one of the must-see shows of the season.
“It’s theatre as resurrection. Tremblay’s love for his mother, the creative force that brought an even more creative force into the world, is so strong that she will live on as long as theatres exist.” – The Gazette
About Michel Tremblay
Michel Tremblay is one of Quebec’s most iconic playwrights, renowned for his transformative contributions to Quebec and Canadian theatre. With over 30 plays, 31 novels, and numerous adaptations, Tremblay’s work reflects the complexities of Quebecois life and identity. His play Les Belles-Sœurs revolutionized Quebec theatre, and his works have been translated into 40 languages and performed worldwide. Tremblay has earned over 90 prestigious awards, including the Prince Pierre of Monaco Award and the Gilles-Corbeil Award, solidifying his status as a key figure in global theatre.
About Alice Ronfard
Alice Ronfard is an accomplished director with over 40 years of experience in theatre. Known for her sensitivity to text and her deep understanding of Quebecois works, she has directed over 40 plays, operas, and dance performances. Her acclaimed productions include The Tempest and Cyrano de Bergerac. Ronfard served as co-director of the French section of the National Theatre School of Canada from 1996 to 2003, mentoring future generations of theatre artists. She continues to direct and mentor emerging talent, ensuring her legacy in the Canadian theatre community.
About Linda Gaboriau
Linda Gaboriau is a renowned Canadian translator, with over 125 plays and novels to her name. Her translation of Impromptu on Nuns’ Island by Michel Tremblay earned her the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation in 2002, and in 2014, she won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Drama for her translation of Tom at the Farm by Michel Marc Bouchard. In addition to her work as a translator, Linda has made significant contributions to Canadian theatre as a dramaturge and was the founding director of the Banff International Literary Translation Centre. She has been recognized for her outstanding work in translating Québec literature and was made an officer of the Order of Québec.
Cast & Creative Team
Playwright: Michel Tremblay
Translator: Linda Gaboriau
Director: Alice Ronfard
Nana: Ellen David
Narrator: Emmanuel Schwartz
Set Designer: Gabriel Tsampalieros
Costume Designer: Cynthia St. Gelais
Lighting Designer: Julie Basse
Sound Designer: Joris Rey
Stage Manager: Danielle Laurin
Assistant Stage Manager: Elyse Quesnel
About Centaur Theatre Company
Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Centaur Theatre tells stories that expand perceptions and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. Believing in the vital role of theatre in building a healthy, democratic, and progressive community, Centaur Theatre engages artists and audiences in meaningful conversations through the art of live performance.
Ticket Information:
Tickets range from $22 to $68 and can be purchased through Centaur Theatre‘s box office:
• Phone: 514-288-3161
• Address: 453 Saint François-Xavier, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2T1
• Online: https://centaurtheatre.com/shows/for-the-pleasure-of-seeing-her-again/
