Last night, hopping gingerly between patches of blue ice in the streets of the Viauxville district in an effort to take a psycho-emotional journey like Voltaire’s tale, we went to see Candide at Théâtre Denise-Pelletier.
The theater, known for its dramatic distance from downtown and its productions designed for (informed) teenage audiences, presents a version of Voltaire’s Candide (1759) that’s a little glam rock and a little metaphysical that pleases even adults.
Candide is a Théâtre Tout à Trac production, directed by Hugo Bélanger and starring Gabriel Favreau, Carl Béchard, Éloi Cousineau, Florence Deschênes Tommy Joubert, Marilou Leblanc, Phara Thibault and Marie-Ève Trudel.
Candide (or optimism)
Voltaire’s Candide is a philosophical tale about the nature of happiness, the existence of evil and debates 18th-century fatalism. It’ s a favorite on compulsory high school reading lists and, of course, much more fun to see in the theater than to read.
We follow young Candide, who, through a long series of misadventures and journeys around the world (and the new world), discovers the unjust joys and sorrows of life.
By the end of the tale, he’s content (but not happy), and draws from his adventures the semi-explained “you’ve got to cultivate your garden”.
Hugo Bélanger and the Théâtre Tout à Trac company have transformed the tale and its 30 chapters into a 1h40 play reminiscent of puppet theater on lsd in an 80s disco.
The chapter titles are shouted out by a chorus of actors who play all the roles with great energy and humor around the incredibly lovable character of Candide, played by Gabriel Favreau in a powder-blue doll costume.
The chapters go by faster and faster, punctuated by songs and costume entrances, and the sadness and horrors of the 18th century – smallpox, religious persecution, the galley, war, old age… But also coincidences and happiness, and in the middle the character of Candide, who looks a little naive but at least seems to get through life without resentment.
The intense energy of the cast is infectious, and the play seems to accelerate towards the end, ending with a slightly absurd conversation with the author and the cult phrase“You have to work. You have to cultivate your garden.”
Candide leaves you feeling like you’ ve had a fever dream, with a smile on your face and a vague desire not to go to work the next day to go off and live an adventure…
Practical info
Where? Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, 4353 rue Sainte-Catherine Est
When? Every evening, from November 20 to December 6, 2025 – school sessions are also available, for French teachers who want to share in the fun!
How? Tickets start at $30, and to reserve and find out more about the play, click here!
Enjoy your session!