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Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) presents CRAWLSPACE : UNE VRAIE DE VRAIE HISTOIRE VÉCUE D’HORREUR IMMOBILIÈRE, a dark comedy performed by Karine Ricard and Gloria Mampuya, written by Karen Hines, translated by Mishka Lavigne, and directed by Miriam Cusson. This ‘spacious yet cozy’ play will be performed in TfT’s Studio (21 College Street, 6th floor), cabaret style, from April 19 to 23, 2023.

Written by Canadian playwright and performer Karen Hines, CRAWLSPACE: UNE VRAIE DE VRAIE HISTOIRE VÉCUE D’HORREUR IMMOBILIÈRE is inspired by the playwright's personal struggle after purchasing a coach house in a trendy and up-and-coming Toronto neighbourhood. The enchantment quickly turns to drama. Unpleasant surprises pile up as quickly as the new owner digs herself further into debt to remedy the various problems. Suddenly, while already facing many challenges, a stench begins to permeate her home...

Comical and incisive, the play explores the anxiety experienced by first-time homebuyers in Toronto as they face an unforgiving and complex environment where the laws don't always seem adequate enough to protect them. The play is also a study of the need for Canadians to conform to societal expectations by entering the housing market, perceived by most as a sign of success and, ironically, associated with a feeling of security.

First exacerbated by the pandemic and now by rising interest rates, the evolution of the housing market in Toronto is on everyone's lips. By producing this play, TfT has decided to expose the drama and the obsession driving Toronto’s real estate market.

From 2015–2018, the original English version CRAWLSPACE has enjoyed sold-out theatrical runs in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and twice in Toronto, where the play was nominated for five Dora Mavor Moore Awards including Best New Play. Published by Coach House Books, CRAWLSPACE was finalist for the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s Award for Best New Play, and recently won the Writers’ Guild of Alberta Literary Prize for Best Play.

CRAWLSPACE : UNE VRAIE DE VRAIE HISTOIRE VÉCUE D’HORREUR IMMOBILIÈRE
A Théâtre français de Toronto Production
Playwright: Karen Hines| Translated by: Mishka Lavigne | Directed by: Miriam Cusson| Performed by: Karine Ricard and Gloria Mampuya | Set and Lighting Design by : Glenn Davidson| Visual effects and projections: Duncan Appleton | Sound Design: Ben Gibson | Production Manager: Mathieu Taillardas| Stage Management (Ottawa workshops) : Alain Lauzon| Stage Management: Patrick Lynn
Show run: Wednesday April 19 to Sunday April 23, 2023
Durée : 90 minutes
Wednesday to Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 1pm in the TfT Studio | 21 rue Collège, 6e étage, Toronto, M5G 2B3
Fee: Regular: $45 | Senior: $35 | under 30 and artists: $20 | PWYC online on the day of: $10, $15 or $20 | Group rate for 8 or more: $20 per ticket
Box Office: 416.534.6604 or theatrefrancais.com