From April 5 to 16, Theatre la Seizième presents L’Enfant-Problème (Problem Child), a poignant story of loss and redemption written by George F. Walker. Winner of nine Chalmers Awards, five Dora and three Governor General’s Awards, Walker draws a vibrant picture of urban realism, coupled with a biting commentary on the influence of television.
In a dingy motel room, a young couple stares at the phone, waiting anxiously for a crucial announcement. During this seemingly endless holding pattern, they will both discover, often at their own expense, how great their desire is to regain the sense of family they have lost. Punctuated by tragicomic interventions of an alcoholic concierge and a conformist social worker, this black comedy will surely run the gamut of emotions for the audience.
[fourteen_pixels]“No other living playwright pushes the boundaries of comedy as far, with often stunning results” [/fourteen_pixels]
– Chicago Sun Times
Part of a compilation of six plays (Suburban Motel), all taking place in the same suburban motel room, L’Enfant-Problème, is a sharp, and sometimes hilariously funny, social commentary written with all the vitality, humor and insight that characterize the work of one of Canada’s most prolific and widely produced playwrights. A gem of literature for which George F. Walker received a Chalmers Award.
WRITTEN BY GEORGE F. WALKER / TRANSLATED BY MARYSE WARDA / DIRECTED BY CRAIG HOLZSCHUH / LIGHTING DESIGN JEREMY BAXTER / SET AND COSTUME DESIGN JULIE MARTENS / SOUND DESIGN CHRIS HIND / STAGE MANAGER NOA ANATOT / SURTITLES EMMA DAVIS / WITH YURIJ KIS, ÉMILIE LECLERC, JOEY LESPÉRANCE AND RACHEL ROBILLARD