FFWD Weekly
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Life in the French theatre
Calgary's only francophone theatre company a casual meeting ground
preview by Nikki Sheppy

Old Orchard? Connais Pas!
La Société de Theatre de Calgary
April 24 - 26 and May 2 and 3
at the Calgary French Theatre

It's not your average theatre. Sprawling between two small stages and the bar are a multitude of intimate square tables and an area that quickly converts to a dance floor after the play is done. Things don't shut down here until 1:30 a.m.

Backstage in the prop room, a little girl cavorts in an elegant (but large) white gown, a spurt of our other official language shooting from her smiling lips. She clearly loves life in the theatre. And this one - the only one of its kind in Calgary - is French.

Founded 15 years ago, La Société de Théatre de Calgary is a non-profit theatre company that produces professional plays in French while also serving as a casual meeting ground for French-speaking people in the city.

Since last September, STC has run under the supervision of Manon Breton, an actress recently seen at Theatre in Exile, and France Jean, a Calgary drama teacher and director.

STC's upcoming play, Old Orchard? Connais Pas!, is a comedy about relationships. The Old Orchard of the title refers to a beach resort in Maine that was once a popular holiday spot for Québecois.

It's a smart comedy, Breton says. Written by Québecois playwright Regent Vignon, it features two couples who decide to forego their annual trip to Old Orchard and go camping instead. By chance, working with pegs and poles in the middle of the night, they set up their tents side by side in the forest - only to discover in the morning that they have company.

According to Breton and Jean, the play's text is easily understood by most French-speaking Albertans. "There is a lot of Québecois color," admits Breton, "but it's pretty easy to follow."

For English-speakers who want to accompany their French friends, STC offers a plot summary in English and a room full of translators.

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