Talisman Theatre Presents The English Montreal Premiere Of David Paquet's WILDFIRE Next Month

Wildfire is a tragicomedy as fiercely dark as any from classical Greece. Structured as a generational triptych, it is set in a triplex inhabited by twisted triplets with a toxic family heritage. In this magnificently constructed spiral of fatality, multiple award-winning playwright David Paquet attacks our failing collective consciousness and the ensuing general apathy. Opening with a curse from a psychopathic baby, with a cast of perverse misfits, and featuring a caged child and a murderous pet tarantula.

Wildfire follows the path of unexamined trauma as it courses through three generations driven by shame and repression. There is no beginning or end to the traumatic devastation, only the inevitable turning of its cycle of destruction. Paquet pulls out laughs like we would pull out a tooth. Talisman's hallmark of strong female voices is present in the triplet sisters who offer a dark take on modern motherhood and family relations in general.

"Thanks to Leanna Brodie's award-winning translation, Talisman Theatre's production and Playwrights Canada Press' publication, Wildfire will mark my first foray into Montreal's English-language theatre scene. This play seems to me to be a perfect fit for an encounter with this new audience, both neighbouring and yet unknown, since it intertwines the notions of otherness and home. Moreover, it is an honour to be welcomed at La Chapelle, a place par excellence for hybrid productions and mixed audiences, and to know that everything is inspired by Philippe Cyr's dazzling staging." - David Paquet

This English version has all of the kick and the magic of the original French while retaining its vaudevillian, tongue-in-cheek humour. Its light-heartedness charms and disarms-leaving the audience completely unprepared for a rollercoaster ride through deep-rooted taboos!

Wildfire is Talisman's 18th production. It was originally designed and produced by Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui, L'Homme Allumette, and directed by Philippe Cyr. Talisman Theatre is thrilled to embark on this English production with director Jon Lachlan Stewart, an award-winning artist, known to the theatre community as a director, actor, and producer.

David Paquet is a multiple award-winning Canadian playwright, who won the 2010 Governor General's Award for French-language drama, and the 2010 Prix Michel-Tremblay, for his play Porc-épic. His play Le poids des fourmis also won the 2022 Governor General's Award. He is a graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada.

Talisman Theatre has a vibrant, living mission: to produce English-language premieres of Quebec plays in translation. It was founded in 2006 by Lyne Paquette and Emma Tibaldo. Paquette has been the company's Artistic and Executive Director since 2009.

CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Written by David Paquet
Translated by Leanna Brodie
Directed by Jon Lachlan Stewart
Based on the original staging by Philippe Cyr

Stage Manager: Ava Bishop
Cast: Julie Tamiko Manning, Kathleen Stavert and Davide Chiazzese
Set and Costume Design: Odile Gamache
Costumes Assistant: Leonie Blanchet
Lighting Design: Cédric Delorme-Bouchard
Sound Design: Mykalle Bielinski

This project is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and the Conseil des arts de Montréal.

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