A Nervous Hunter Production co-presented by Théâtre la Seizième,
Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, and Touchstone Theatre
BONNES BONNES
Written by Tamara Nguyen and Sophie Gee
Directed by Sophie Gee
January 13 – 17, 2027
Sophie, Meilie and Wai Yin, three Chinese women, come together to watch a video adaptation Sophie made of the classic play The Maids (Les Bonnes) by Jean Genet. Together as they watch the video – where two Chinese women play the maids and fantasize their revenge on their Madame – the friends speak candidly about their childhood, their love-hate relationship with whiteness, the colonization of their minds, and Crazy Rich Asians. They discuss their evolving feelings about their Chinese identity; from shame to pride to deep concern, especially in a world where China’s financial and political power continues to grow. And why do an adaptation of a play by a dead white guy anyway? Differences amongst the women emerge and tensions grow until Sophie’s desire for revenge on whiteness boils over.
Bonnes Bonnes combines documentary theatre, live on-stage cooking, projections and movement to explore how we can heal from the wounds of internalized racism. The play is also a big middle finger to everyone who made fun of the smell of our lunches at school.
WHERE
ADDRESS
1555 W 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1S2
SHOWTIMES: Jan 13 - 17, 2027
CONTENT INFO
Co-Presenters
"A singular work, imbued with a disarming authenticity and dealing with otherness in various angles…making the show a de facto multisensory experience. Art here becomes the vehicle of a sincerity which relentlessly hits the mark."
CREDITS
Text: Tamara Nguyen and Sophie Gee
Performers: Wai Yin Kwok, Meilie Ng and Sophie Gee, Charo Foo Tai Wei (video), France Rolland (voice French version), Holly Gauthier-Frankel (voice English version)
Technical Direction: Aurora Torok
Stage Management: Chad Dembski
Direction: Sophie Gee
Costumes: Jessica Poirier-Chang
Set and props: Maryanna Chan
Sound: Christine ML Lee
Lighting: Nine Desbaillet
Projection and video: Amelia Scott
Sound recording (video): Elena Stoodley
Dramaturgy: Sasha Dion via le Centre des auteurs dramatiques
Artistic consultant: Nini Bélanger
Costume assistance: Margarita Brodie and Claudelle Dextraze
Cutting and sewing: Jez Yung, Vita Nikitenko, Maéva Bouchard of l’Atelier-M-Costume
Artistic and cultural consultants during the first phase of creation: Angie Cheng, Winnie Ho and Claudia Chan Tak
Lighting during the first phase of creation: Maya Jarvis
Dramaturgy during the first phase of creation: Marilou Craft
This translation was developed with the support of The Glassco Translation Residency in Tadoussac through Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec for its financial support for this tour.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Conseil des arts de Montréal, Théâtre Aux Écuries, The Cole Foundation and The Wuchien Michael Than Foundation for their financial support in the creation of this show.
