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What if Shakespeare had a sister...?

Théâtre français de Toronto and Alliance française de Toronto present Je suis William (I Am William), a production by Théâtre le Clou.

This musical play for audiences of all ages will be performed in a single public showing at the Berkeley Street Theatre on Saturday, May 9 at 3:00 PM.

The performance will be preceded by a free Shakespearean writing workshop, led by Nicolas Van Burek and designed for children. Pizza will be served on-site. Please note: spots for this workshop are limited — registration is required.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

When Margaret Shakespeare, William's sister, writes by night, she rights the wrongs she sees around her. At thirteen, she draws from human contradictions to craft stories of rare power. But in 1577 England, girls are destined for domestic life — and those who can read and write risk being accused of witchcraft.

When William discovers his sister's gift, he is filled with wonder. How can he share her words while keeping her safe? Thus begins a journey into a fantastical England, where sibling love defies all prohibition and where the pen might just overturn the established order.

Je suis William is rooted in a tension between past and present: though the action unfolds in 1577 England, its themes — the search for identity, the longing for love and success, the temptation to break the rules in order to reinvent oneself — resonate with universal urgency. A musical for the whole family, Je suis William holds up a mirror to our times, reminding us that, even today, being born a girl or a boy still shapes the path ahead..

A must-see for anyone who still carries within them the living memory of their youthful dreams.

SURTITLES AND ACCESSIBILITY:

All performances are surtitled in English. Audiences also have the option to try augmented reality glasses for an immersive surtitling experience, with the choice between English and French. This service is offered free of charge.

Je suis William
Text and lyrics: Rébecca Déraspe | Direction and set design: Sylvain Scott | Music and sound design: Benoit Landry, Chloé Lacasse | On-stage musician: Jean-François De Bellefeuille | Assistant director: Dominique Cuerrier | Dramaturgical advisor: Paul Lefebvre | Costumes: Linda Brunelle | Costume assistant: Marie-Audrey Jacques | Lighting: Luc Prairie | Choreography: Monik Vincent | Chandelier design and creation: Nathalie Trépanier | Makeup: François Cyr | Wigs: Géraldine Courchesne | Production and technical direction: Samuel Thériault | Curtain creation: Éliane Bouchard | Train creation: Johanne Langelier | Screen printing: Katherine Paré | Touring lighting operator: Ariane Roy | Touring sound operator: Étienne Mongrain | Tailoring: Amélie Grenier and Anne Rémillard | Milliner: Lyne Beaulieu | Studio musicians: Guido del Fabro (violin, viola), Vincent Carré (percussion / programming assistant), Chloé Lacasse and Colin Gagné (sound recording), Chloé Lacasse (mixing) | Set workshop: Création Z | Show photography: François Godard
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Recommended age: 10 and up
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Duration: 70 minutes
Venue: Berkeley Street Theatre
Tickets: Regular: $22.50 | Under 18: $11.50 | Pay what you can ($10, $15 or $20) on the day of the show
Box office: 416.534.6604 or theatrefrancais.com