2019 Production
SEASON SPONSOR
BMO
Pleiades Theatre in association with Crow’s Theatre Presents
"Besbouss: Autopsy of a Revolt"
English-language World Premiere
of a play inspired by events that sparked the Arab Spring
Cast
Saïd Benyoucef - Dr. Karim Djebara
Adam Paolozza - Mohamed Bouazizi
Creative
Stéphane Brulotte - Playwright
John Van Burek - Translator
Majdi Bou-Matar - Director
Ric Knowles - Dramaturge
Teresa Przybylski - Set and Costume Designer
Jennifer Lennon - Lighting Designer
Daniel Morphy - Soundscape
Sarah O'Brien - Stage Manager
Remington North - Production Manager
Hallie Seline - Promotional Trailer & Video Artist
SHOW DATES - Nov 7 - Nov 20, 2019
VENUE - Guloien Theatre
Streetcar Crowsnest
345 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2T1
TICKETS
Online: Crow's Theatre Website
In Person: Crow’s Theatre Box Office
By Phone: (647) 341-7390 ext. 1010
By Email: boxoffice@crowstheatre.com
SHOW DESCRIPTION
The English-language premiere of a story inspired by the headlines, a world away. On Friday December 17, 2010, a fruit vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi ignites a fire that will burn its way across the Arab world. A fictional account written by Stéphane Brulotte gives Karim, a forensic pathologist, the task of performing an autopsy on his body as protests erupt throughout Tunisia and beyond. Charged with clearing the Tunisian government of any blame in his death, the doctor must reconcile his own safety, the future of his country, and the dignity of a young man that sparked the Arab Spring.
POST-SHOW PANEL CONVERSATIONS - Tuesday, November 12 & & 19
Inspired by the themes explored in Besbouss, Pleiades Theatre's Associate Producer James Graham hosts two post-show panels on the legacy of the Arab Spring at home and abroad, through cultural and political perspectives, with particular attention to its impact on the Arab diaspora here in Canada:
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On Tuesday, November 12, the conversation is entitled "Cultural Expressions of Arab Identity in Canada: The impact of the Arab Spring on Middle Eastern cultures and on Arab artists and activists in Canada," with panelists Dr. Walid El Khachab, Makram Ayache, Reem Morsi and Wafa Al Zaghal.
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On Tuesday, November 19, the conversation is entitled "The Legacy of the Arab Spring in Canada and Internationally: Exploring the successes and failures of the Arab Spring, its impact on Canada and the formation of Arab political identity in Canada," with panelists Dr. Miloud Chennoufi, May Tartoussy and Raja Khouri.
ART EXHIBITION
The Festival of Arabic Music and Arts' curated exhibition, "Gallery of Hope," features the artwork of eight artists, and will be on display in the Streetcar Crowsnest lobby throughout the run, free to the public.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
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Thu Nov 07, 2019 – 7:30pm PREVIEW
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Fri Nov 08, 2019 – 7:30pm OPENING NIGHT
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Sat Nov 09, 2019 – 2:00pm
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Sat Nov 09, 2019 – 7:30pm
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Sun Nov 10, 2019 – 2:00pm
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Tue Nov 12, 2019 – 7:30pm PANEL CONVERSATION
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Wed Nov 13, 2019 – 2:00pm
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Wed Nov 13, 2019 – 7:30pm
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Thu Nov 14, 2019 – 7:30pm
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Fri Nov 15, 2019 – 7:30pm
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Sat Nov 16, 2019 – 2:00pm
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Sat Nov 16, 2019 – 7:30pm
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Sun Nov 17, 2019 – 2:00pm
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Tue Nov 19, 2019 – 7:30pm PANEL CONVERSATION
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Wed Nov 20, 2019 – 2:00pm
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Wed Nov 20, 2019 – 7:30pm CLOSING NIGHT
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS
The McLean Foundation
The Norman & Margaret Jewison Foundation
The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation
MEDIA CONTACT
Laurie Murphy created an interactive marketing strategy for the production, utilizing print, broadcast, online and signage to connect with Toronto theatre audiences through media, and community partners. Email laurie@pleiadestheatre.org or lauriemurphy@marram.ca. Call or text 647 883 8460.
GRAPHIC ART
Visual Creative designed the show's poster, ads and program of Besbouss: Autopsy of a Revolt. Photo Saïd Benyoucef is by Rami Schandall, Visual Creative.
Photo by Brian McNally
Photo by Sean Howard