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Toronto – From May 21 to 24, 2025, Théâtre français de Toronto is proud to present Michel(le) at the Berkeley Street Theatre, a creation by Vancouver-based Théâtre la Seizième, written and performed by Joey Lespérance and directed by Esther Duquette. This powerful and deeply personal solo is inspired by a real-life family tragedy that left a lasting mark on the artist—one he now brings to the stage to honour and preserve its memory.

Growing up in the working-class Quebec of the 1960s and 70s, Joey and his “sibling-soulmate” Michel(le) created their own imaginary escapes, staging plays for their family and friends—a rare outlet for expressing their true selves in an environment that offered little room for difference. As their lives unfolded, the two followed separate paths: Joey became an actor in Vancouver, while Michel(le) found expression through the drag scene in Montreal, gradually embracing a complex and luminous identity. With tenderness and honesty, Michel(le) tells the story of a courageous, unconventional life that deserves to be heard.

In this first solo play, Joey Lespérance pays tribute to cherished sibling while casting a critical eye on the injustices and silences imposed on those who don’t fit into society’s moulds.

“For me, it was clear that to honour Michel(le), I had to turn to theatre—it was the language of our childhood. It was through the shows we created for our family and friends that we were truly happy and free to express who we were. Theatre was our shared dream. More than anything, Michel(le)’s story—so rarely seen on stage—is truly worthy of a play.”

Michel(le) is at once an act of remembrance, a love letter, and a celebration of resilience. A must-see.

Presented in Toronto by Théâtre français de Toronto, with the generous support of the TD Ready Commitment.

A PRODUCTION BY THE THÉÂTRE LA SEIZIÈME PRESENTED BY THE FRENCH THEATRE OF TORONTO
Ideation, text and performance Joey Lespérance | Direction Esther Duquette | Set design & props Patrice Charbonneau-Brunelle | Costume design Linda Brunelle | Sound design Pierre-Luc Clément | Lighting design Sophie Tang | Movement Noam Gagnon | Makeup Florence Cornet Dramaturgy Esther Duquette, Craig Holzschuh | Surtitles translation Leanna Brodie | External advisors Dave Deveau, Joëlle Perras, Jaylene Tyme | Stage management Dominique Cuerrier | Technical direction Pierre Tripard | Production direction Clémence Doray, Jessie Dumais, Mélina Mariotte | Support for creation Centre de service of Théâtre aux Écuries | Production photos Gaëtan Nerincx | With the support of  Y.P Heung Foundation
Performance dates and times: May 21–24, 2025, at the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St, Toronto, ON M5A 2W3). Opening night on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Weekday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 24, at 3 p.m.
Running time: 75 minutes
Rates: Regular: 60  $|Golden Age: 50  $|Under 30s and Artists: 22.50  $|Same-day last-minute tickets: $15, $20 or 25 $| Group rate (8 or more): $20 per ticket
Box office: 416-534-6604 or theatrefrancais.com