2019 Production

Besbouss-with-date-logos-800.jpg
​
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

Crow's 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:

​

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Thu Nov 07, 2019 – 7:30pm PREVIEW

  • Fri Nov 08, 2019 – 7:30pm OPENING NIGHT

  • Sat Nov 09, 2019 – 2:00pm

  • Sat Nov 09, 2019 – 7:30pm

  • Sun Nov 10, 2019 – 2:00pm

  • Tue Nov 12, 2019 – 7:30pm PANEL CONVERSATION

  • Wed Nov 13, 2019 – 2:00pm

  • Wed Nov 13, 2019 – 7:30pm

  • Thu Nov 14, 2019 – 7:30pm

  • Fri Nov 15, 2019 – 7:30pm

  • Sat Nov 16, 2019 – 2:00pm

  • Sat Nov 16, 2019 – 7:30pm

  • Sun Nov 17, 2019 – 2:00pm

  • Tue Nov 19, 2019 – 7:30pm PANEL CONVERSATION

  • Wed Nov 20, 2019 – 2:00pm

  • 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