Given the sad situations currently unfolding in Israel and Ukraine, the adaptation of the biographical story for the theater is necessary Where I hideby Caroline Dawson, takes on even greater significance.
Adapted for the stage by Michel Nadeau, artistic director of Théâtre La Bordée in Quebec, the novel tells the story of a young Chilean woman who is forced to leave her homeland – trapped in the clutches of the Pinochet dictatorship in the 1980s – with his family left to settle in Quebec.
“This piece paints a portrait of the reality of many immigrants who flee their country to settle here, but also that of our mentality and our reflexes as a welcoming country,” emphasizes Mr. Nadeau, with whom The Journal spoke.
After much discussion with the play’s director, Guillaume Pépin, who opted for a cast made up of 100% immigrants, Mr. Nadeau can confirm that the actors had good discussions about the similarities in their respective stories .
“Of course everyone has their own story, but there are points that overlap,” emphasizes the person responsible for adapting the novel. “In terms of the situations that pushed them to immigrate, but also the way Quebecers see them,” he explains.
According to Mr. Nadeau, this piece raises awareness of how society can perceive immigrant communities.
“Perhaps people from Israel or Ukraine will also settle here, we need to adopt a caring and conciliatory attitude; the piece encourages that.”
Organic emotions for the actors
The fact that six actresses and one actor who have experienced the effects of moving abroad were chosen makes the emotions conveyed on stage literally natural, says Mr. Nadeau.
“In your book, Caroline [Dawson] “Speaks a lot about the sacrifices his parents had to make when immigrating to Quebec, as well as the difficulties and prejudices they faced,” he mentions, pointing out, for example, the preconceptions that some employers might have when they a foreign name sees an application. “Actors know what they’re talking about and don’t have to look far to find the right emotions; it resonates with them.”
News from MMe Dawson
The author of the 2021 novel Where I Ground is currently fighting the battle of her life against bone cancer. However, the news is encouraging as Mr. Nadeau is confident that Ms. Dawson will attend the play’s premiere given her biographical history.
Where I Ground will be performed at Théâtre La Bordée in Quebec, Tuesday through Saturday, October 31 to November 25.