Running from May 13 to June 1, 2025, Montreal’s iconic Centaur Theatre will be presenting a deeply moving and masterfully staged production of Michel Tremblay’s beloved play, For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, translated from French by Governor General’s Award winner Linda Gaboriau and directed by the celebrated Alice Ronfard.
This heartfelt piece marked a major highlight of Centaur’s 56th season, paying tribute to one of Quebec’s most iconic playwrights and celebrating the rich creative dialogue between French and English theater communities in Canada.
Andrée Lanthier @lanthierphotoThe production featured two standout performances by Montreal stage luminaries Ellen David and Emmanuel Schwartz. David took on the role of Nana, the indomitable mother figure who inspired Tremblay’s lifelong love of storytelling, while Schwartz portrayed the Narrator, a version of the playwright himself.
Under Ronfard’s sensitive and inspired direction—her first at Centaur Theatre—the pair brought a timeless warmth, wit, and poignancy to the story.
Set in working-class Montreal in the 1950s and ’60s, For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again is Tremblay’s loving and humorous homage to his mother. Through sharp dialogue and poignant memory, the play examined the complexities of family, creativity, and the lasting bonds between parents and children.
Gaboriau’s acclaimed translation captured the rich emotional texture of Tremblay’s original French text, offering English-speaking audiences a rare opportunity to experience the depth and theatrical brilliance of this Quebecois classic.
Andrée Lanthier @lanthierphotoArtistic and Executive Director Eda Holmes expressed her pride in hosting this collaboration:
“I was honoured to invite Alice Ronfard to Centaur Theatre to direct this iconic play. Her long creative relationship with Tremblay’s work allowed her to reveal it to our audience in a whole new way.”
This emotionally resonating production was a celebration of Tremblay’s legacy and a testament to the enduring power of language and theatre to bridge cultural divides. Originally presented in English at Centaur in 1998 to great acclaim, the play once again captivated Montreal audiences, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of Canadian theater.
The creative team brought the world of the play to vivid life, with Gabriel Tsampalieros designing an evocative set, Cynthia St. Gelais crafting period-authentic costumes, Julie Basse providing atmospheric lighting, and Joris Rey shaping the emotional tone through sound design.
By showcasing For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, Centaur Theatre not only honoured a master playwright but also reaffirmed its commitment to presenting powerful stories that resonate across cultures and generations. The production stood as a poignant reminder of the ways theatre can deepen our understanding of identity, family, and the ties that bind.
About the Artists
Michel Tremblay, one of Quebec’s most renowned playwrights, has authored over 30 plays and 31 novels, translated into more than 40 languages. His landmark play Les Belles-Sœurs revolutionized Quebec theatre.
Alice Ronfard, with over 40 years of directing experience, has a deep connection to Quebecois literature. Her work spans theatre, opera, and dance, and she has mentored generations of theatre artists.
Linda Gaboriau is a leading literary translator whose work has made Quebec literature accessible to English-speaking audiences worldwide. She is a recipient of both the Governor General’s and Lambda Literary Awards.
About Centaur Theatre
Located in Old Montreal, Centaur Theatre produces work that explores the human condition and fosters dialogue between diverse communities. It remains a pillar of the Canadian theatre scene, dedicated to excellence, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again
May 13, 2025 — June 1, 2025
Website & Tickets: www.centaurtheatre.com
Phone: 514-288-3161
Address: 453 Saint François-Xavier, Montreal, QC, H2Y 2T1
Social Media: @CentaurTheatreCompany on Facebook and YouTube, @CentaurTheatre on Instagram