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"They call her Manman la mè because her love is as vast as the ocean. She takes care of so many people... A whole village is wrapped up in her care, in her love."

Toronto, Ontario - First scheduled for October 2020 and then January 2022, Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) was twice required to cancel the presentation of Manman la mer due to health restrictions. Yet, it was inconceivable that this magnificent theatrical production, written and performed by Djennie Laguerre and produced by Théâtre Catapulte, would not one day be presented to Toronto audiences! TfT is therefore pleased to be able to finally unveil this creation at the Berkeley Street Theatre from September 29 to October 2, 2022.

Synopsis: To appease her mother, Marjolaine hides her gift of clairvoyance to her family… but twenty-six years later, she is struck by a mysterious illness that modern medicine is unable to treat. With no other options, Marjolaine travels to Haiti to seek the healing powers of her grandmother, Manman La Mé …

Having previously appeared in Rendez-vous Lackay, Des fraises en janvier, Espoir/Espwa, Le Malade imaginaire, Les Zinspirés and Les Zinspirés 3D, storyteller and actor Djennie Laguerre takes us back to her lively, colourful and funny universe. In her new play, she plays Marjolaine, as well as all the characters she meets throughout this touching story. Marjolaine's journey to her native land sets her off on a path of self-discovery where she reconnects with her ancestors and Haitian spirituality.

Inspired by the Haitian storytelling tradition, interacting at times with the audience through dance and songs, Djennie offers a vibrant and generous performance. "Krick? Yié krick!”

Her new original play puts women and Caribbean culture in the spotlight, and explores with humour and authenticity the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

MANMAN LA MER
Written and performed by: Djennie Laguerre | Direction: Kamana Ntibarikure | Music, performance and creative support: Sara Rénélik | Sound design: Elena Stoodley | Set design: Benoît Brunet-Poirier | Lighting and projections: Shawn Henry | Costume design: Isabelle Bélisle | Direction assistance and stage management (original run): Katie Rochford | Production management (original run): Kyle Ahluwalia | 2022 remount oversight: Danielle Le Saux-Famer

Running from: September 29 to October 2, 2022

Reception: Post-Show Reception on Friday September 30th, 2022

Running Time: 60 minutes

Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Berkeley Street Theatre | 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto

Fee: Regular: $45 | Senior: $35 | under 30 and artists: $20 | PWYC on Wednesdays and Thursdays | Saturday Rush Tickets: $20 at the door | Group rate for 8 or more: $20 per ticket

Box Office: 416.534.6604 ou theatrefrancais.com