On April 21, 2026, the dramatic comedy Bénévolat opened its run at Théâtre La Bordée in Quebec City, marking a significant cultural moment for francophone theatre in Canada. The play, written by Maud de Palma-Duquet and directed by Rose-Anne Déry, explores the unexpected connection between Amaryllis, a disciplined university student volunteering to teach French, and Anthony, a young inmate serving time for murder in a penitentiary. Their weekly interactions, initially confined to language lessons, gradually reveal shared humanity across vastly different worlds.
The production, presented by Tableau noir in association with La Bordée, runs from April 21 to May 16, 2026, with performances scheduled throughout the week. Each show lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, including an intermission. The Théâtre La Bordée, located at 315 rue Saint-Joseph Est in Quebec City’s Saint-Roch district, has become a vital venue for contemporary Quebecois storytelling, and Bénévolat continues its tradition of staging emotionally resonant, socially reflective works.
According to the theatre’s official programming, Bénévolat is described as a “huis clos à la fois sensible et haletant” — a tense yet sensitive closed-room drama — where the playwright highlights “les richesses pouvant jaillir au contact de deux mondes opposés,” or the unexpected richness that emerges when contrasting lives intersect. The play previously enjoyed a successful run at Théâtre La Licorne, where it garnered strong audience response and added supplementary performances due to high demand.
The cast features Stéphanie Arav as Amaryllis and Mathieu Richard as Anthony, bringing to life the nuanced emotional journey crafted by de Palma-Duquet. Direction by Rose-Anne Déry emphasizes the quiet intensity of their evolving relationship, set against a minimalist stage design by Xavier Mary, assisted by Maude Janvier. Costumes by Didier Senécal, lighting by Leticia Hamaoui, and original music by Sarah Laurendeau and Étienne Thibeault contribute to the production’s immersive atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the creative team includes producer André-Luc Tessier, stage management by Marguerite Hudon (touring) and Pier-Luc Legault (creation), and assistant direction by Charlotte Ménard. The production acknowledges support from Tableau Noir, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and the Conseil des arts de Montréal, underscoring its roots in Quebec’s subsidized theatre ecosystem.
For audiences seeking to attend, tickets are available through the theatre’s official channels, with pricing and subscription details accessible via La Bordée’s website. The theatre encourages patrons to verify showtimes in advance, as schedules may vary slightly across the run. As part of its outreach, La Bordée also offers newsletters and updates for those interested in upcoming productions and community engagement initiatives.
The themes of Bénévolat — volunteerism, redemption, communication across social divides — resonate beyond the stage, inviting reflection on how education and empathy can bridge institutional and personal isolation. While the narrative centers on a French language tutoring program within a correctional setting, it avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the subtle, transformative power of consistent human connection.
As the play continues its run through mid-May 2026, theatre critics and audiences alike are responding to its balanced portrayal of complexity without judgment. By anchoring the story in the routine of weekly meetings — grammar lessons, pauses, moments of misunderstanding and breakthrough — Bénévolat offers a meditative take on what it means to give time, and what one might receive in return.
To learn more about current showtimes, ticket availability, or future productions at Théâtre La Bordée, visit the theatre’s official website or contact their box office directly. Audiences are encouraged to share their experiences and reflections, contributing to the ongoing dialogue around Canadian theatre and its role in exploring pressing social questions.