the ballad of georges boivin
associate director
At 77, Georges Boivin decides to “give the dice a roll.” Georges just lost his wife, the “centre of his universe.” He’s terrified “he no longer exists for anyone.” But there is life after 70, and it must continue even after great loss. With his three friends, all of them the same age, he sets out on a road trip from Québec to Vancouver in search of his first love whom he hasn’t seen in 50 years.
The Ballad of Georges Boivin (‘Le chant de Georges Boivin’) won the Prix Gratien-Gélinas in 2009. The 2021 production was its English language premiere, and it has continued to tour since.
Through this project we explore access for senior artists in design, rehearsal and performance, as well as in festival and rural touring.
2021 I english language premiere
WESTERN GOLD THEATRE in association with BOUCHE THEATRE COLLECTIVE
November 10 – 28, 2021 @ PAL Studio Theatre
Written by Martin Bellemare
Translated by Jack Paterson with Johanna Nutter
FEATURING
Jay Brazeau and John Innes alternating as Georges Boivin in repertory
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Stage Manager: Jessica Adamson | Assistant Lighting Designer: Chengyan Boon | Sound Designer: Stephen Bulat | Video & Video Systems Design: Joel Grinke | Costume Designer: Alaia Hamer | Senior’s Access Consultant: Dr. Julia Henderson | Artistic Director: Tanja Dixon-Warren | Set Designer: Glenn Macdonald | Director: Jack Paterson I Associate Director: Hannah Siden | Video & Video Systems Assistant: Vanka Chaitra Salim | Stage Manager: Ingrid Turk | Access And Surtitle Coordinator: Anika Vervecken | Lighting Designer: John Webber
REVIEWS
“…the execution is poetic and the insight genuine… moments of magic and even transcendence… an intimate — and rewarding — conversation about love.” – Colin Thomas, colinthomas.ca
“…insightful, thoughtful and mind-expanding… this is a beautiful play, filled with hope and longing and the realization that yes, there is life and love well into our golden years!” – entertainmentvancouver.com
“…a heart-warming play that shakes off the myth often associated with old age.” – reviewvancouver.com
Nominated for three Jessie Richardson Awards - Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Set Design, Outstanding Video Design
2024 I festival touring
THE CREATUS PROJECT & BOUCHE THEATRE COLLECTIVE with
WESTERN GOLD THEATRE & PRESENTATION HOUSE THEATRE
May 25/ 26, 2024 @ The Cultch (rEvolver Festival)
FEATURING
Allan Morgan as Georges Boivin
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Jack Paterson | Stage Manager: Andy Sandberg | Associate Director: Hannah Siden | Set Designer: Glenn Macdonald | Sound Designer: Stephen Bulat | Video & Video Systems Design: Joel Grinke & Vanka Salim | Lighting Designer: John Webber | Assistant Lighting Designer: Chengyan Boon | Senior’s Access Consultant: Dr. Julia Henderson
REVIEWS
“A superb show, with a superb actor!” – entertainmentvancouver.com
2024 I rural touring
THE CREATUS PROJECT & BOUCHE THEATRE COLLECTIVE with
WESTERN GOLD THEATRE & PRESENTATION HOUSE THEATRE
September 22, 2024 @ Summerland, BC (Ryga Arts Festival)
FEATURING
Allan Toots as Georges Boivin
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Jack Paterson | Stage Manager: Andy Sandberg | Associate Director: Hannah Siden | Set Designer: Glenn Macdonald | Sound Designer: Stephen Bulat | Video & Video Systems Design: Joel Grinke & Vanka Salim | Lighting Designer: John Webber | Assistant Lighting Designer: Chengyan Boon | Senior’s Access Consultant: Dr. Julia Henderson
Followed by Community Chat About Aging in The Performing Arts
I gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canada Council of the Arts.