(Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)
Intouchables: A must see at Théâtre du Rideau Vert
By
Wendy Singer and Joëlle Grundman
The
film Intouchables is one of the most touching French movies that I have seen. I
was excited to hear that Théâtre du Rideau Vert was adapting this film for the
stage, and would be playing in Montreal from March 24 to April 26, and again in
May at two other venues.
Starring
Antoine Bertrand and Luc Guérin, and directed by René Richard Cyr,
Intouchables
tells the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a widowed billionaire who
became a quadripligic after a paragliding accident, who hires the most unlikely
of caregivers.
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Antoine Bertrand and Luc Guérin (Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert) |
The play was masterfully adapted from the film by Emmanuel Reichenbach, who integrates Quebec culture at every turn, including changing his ex-con caregiver’s name from Driss to Louis, and inserting references understood only in our province, from popular locations to explicit curse words. These references endear the audience from the beginning and has them rolling with laughter throughout the play.
Moving
from funny to touching, this French-language play shares the budding friendship
of Philippe and Louis. This duo, who come from complete ends of the social
scale, learn from one another, and in the end, find happiness in a place once
inhabited by darkness and dead ends.
(Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)
(Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)
Philippe
is endeared to Louis because of his humour, his ability to poke fun of his
paralysis, and to cut to the chase, seeing far beyond the wheelchair, looking
right at the person he is. Time and again, Louis’ clumsiness with words, lack
of filter, and undeniable charm, bring Philippe out of his shell and back into
life, giving him vision to see that he can still live, and attain his dreams. The feeling
is mutual, as we see Louis transform from ex-con to a caring man with a
purpose.
Luc
Guérin plays an outstanding Philippe from a motorized wheelchair, while Antoine
Bertrand’s delightful Louis does not break from his antics, gags, and
affection, making for a beautiful piece of theatre.
Après
avoir vu le film français, je m'attendais à rire. Je n 'avais aucune idée que
je rirais autant ! Les acteurs sont phénoménaux et la qualité de leur performance
est impressionnante. Les références québécoises sont nombreuses et nous
touchent directement.
La
pièce nous amène à réfléchir au sujet des différences de classes sociales et
des personnes handicapées. Je recommande fortement de voir cette adaptation
québécoise inspirée d'une histoire vraie.
Intouchables is playing at
Théâtre du Rideau Vert until April 26, Salle Pierre-Mercure from May 6 to 10,
and L’étoile
Banque Nationale from May 20 to 24. For information visit
