GCTC brings pitch-black comedy Benevolence to Ottawa
iPhoto caption: Art by Trish Lindstrom
Ottawa’s Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) is entering the holiday season with a production of Fanny Britt’s Governor General’s Award-winning comedy Benevolence. The show will run from December 5 to 17 at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre in Hintonburg.
In Benevolence, big-time city lawyer Gilles Jean returns to his Quebec hometown, the titular Benevolence, for the purpose of trying a troubling case involving the child of an old friend. But with his mother asking after the state of his soul and the ghosts of his deceased male family members peering over his shoulder, homecoming is no easy thing.
Former GCTC artistic director Eric Coates is returning to Ottawa to direct the dark comedy. His production will make use of Leanna Brodie’s English translation.
Benevolence is set to star Melanie Beauchamp, Pierre Simpson, Puja Uppal, Sebastien Dijkstra, and Will Somers. The design team will be made up of Ali Berkok (sound), Brian Smith (set), Emilio Sebastio (lighting), and Isabelle Bélisle (costumes).
“On a personal note, it’s an absolute pleasure to be back at GCTC and visiting with Ottawa friends,” said Coates in a press release. “And this script is an exquisite blend of comedy and pathos that guarantees some lively discussion.”
Benevolence runs at GCTC’s Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre from December 5 to 17. Tickets are available here.
Liam Donovan
Liam is Intermission’s senior editor. He lives in Toronto. His Substack newsletter is available at loamdonovan.substack.com.
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