What’s not to love about watching plays? The fun doubles when you’re watching a French play with your friends in a nice, cozy theatre. On October 15th, a small group of sec. 4 and 5 students went on a sortie de théâtre, a new extracurricular activity led by Mme L. Moreau. Everyone gathered at the
Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, where the play Peau d’Âne was showing at 7PM. Quick photos, tickets ready, phones off… and cue! The night ahead promised to be magical, filled with crazy costumes, props, and storytelling.
Peau d’Âne is a play based on the fairy tale of the same name, written by Charles Perrault. While the original story is a simple, classic tale about a princess and a prince, the play adaptation adds depth by exploring both women’s roles and identities in society. As the main character, Peau, learns to find her place in the world, the play encourages the audience not only to reflect inwards, but also on their place in society.
The next day, the students gathered with Mme Moreau to discuss the play, share questions, and express appreciation. The room was buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm as everyone was eager to share their take. We exchanged views on the fabulous costumes, the actors’ portrayal of the characters, and talked about how some scenes made our skin crawl. One student, Amelia W., shared that her favourite part of the play was watching Sophie Cadieux’s portrayal of Peau as a child. She explained that the actress made the performance truly believable through her mannerisms and voice. “I would 100% do it again,” said Amelia, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to attend the play—and I absolutely agree. Experiencing it in French deepened our appreciation towards French/Québécois culture, making us feel more connected.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this new activity, which is why I’m glad that the next outing is not too far away. Planned for November 12th, 2024, the next play will be Incendies at the Théâtre Duceppe. From start to finish, Peau d’Âne enchanted us all, and we can’t wait to return for another unforgettable night at the theatre.
