January 25, 2005 -

“When emotion and argument are harnessed to a wish from the audience to see more clearly
into itself – then something in the mind burns.”
 – Peter Brook, The Empty Space

Ottawa, Ontario -- It was back in 1991–92 that the National Arts Centre (NAC) French Theatre first presented L’Histoire de l’oie, written by Michel Marc Bouchard and directed by Daniel Meilleur. The response was instantaneous: audiences loved the brilliant and moving story of a lonely young boy and his pet goose, and the play went on to receive the 1993 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama.

On Saturday, February 5 at 13:30 in the NAC Theatre, this wonderful family show will mark its 500^th performance. The audience is cordially invited to meet the artists at a reception after the show. A second performance (the 501^st!) will be given on Sunday, February 6 at 13:30.

Since its first performance in 1991, this timeless fable of Maurice, an unhappy little boy, and his pet goose has been translated into four languages (including English, as The Tale of Teeka) and has captivated audiences in 97 cities and 15 countries around the world. The story traces the emotional journey of a child who is the victim of domestic violence and humiliation. Sobering, funny and terrible by turns, this richly-textured and visually stunning production from Montreal’s Les Deux Mondes has become a classic of theatre for young audiences, and the show’s immense success with audiences of all ages and backgrounds is a testament to the universal appeal of theatre.

“There are some plays that combine the purity of a rough diamond with the aesthetic precision of a finely-cut gemstone. L’Histoire de l’oie is one of them.”
– Le Courrier (Geneva)

“A theatrical gem whose every facet – script, movement, music and lighting –
is suffused with the power and brilliance of a diamond.”
– South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)

“A breathtaking, dazzlingly beautiful production that enlists the evocative power
and elements of theatre to uncover the fragile dreams and dark secrets of the soul.”
– New Mexican (Santa Fe)

“It would be difficult to find a production more professional, better crafted or better designed than L’Histoire de l’oie. . . . A magnificent show, impeccable, successful in every way.”
– La Presse (Montreal)

“An inspired blend that explores both childhood adversity and its fabulous imaginary joys. . . . It’s all done by implication, by suggestion, with such attention and skill that what could be a rather harsh ending is transformed into a flight of poetry.”
– Télérama (Paris)

A distinguished work

Now an adult, Maurice recalls his childhood. It’s 1955 and he is ten years old. On his family’s farm he has befriended and tamed a goose – more or less successfully. She becomes his companion on his journeys to a fantasy world he has cobbled together from his favourite comic strips. In this imaginary universe, Maurice is invulnerable: he’s invincible, a hero! But underneath it all lurks the harsh reality of his day-to-day life. . .

A favourite with audiences of all ages, L’Histoire de l’oie has been showered with awards and honours, including Best 1991 Production (Montreal Urban Community Arts Council), Best Work of Fiction 1991 (Gala du livre du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean), Best New Stage Play (1991–92 Season) (Quebec Theatre Critics’ Association), Best Foreign Production 1992 (Union of Mexican Theatre Critics and Writers), a 1993 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and from the Académie québécoise du théâtre, the 1997–98 “Masques” (awards) for Best Production for Young Audiences, Best Set Design and Best Sound Design.