The Hudson’s Bay Company declared bankruptcy last year, celebrating its 355th anniversary. It is a company that has its origins in the early days of “Canada,” when English settlers began trading with the indigenous peoples of the Hudson Bay territories, establishing trading posts forthe beaverfur trade.
In March 2026, we see it liquidated in folklore reimagined in a department store having a closing sale.
Ah! The Company…
It belonged to several financiers and families, and in 2008, The Bay was bought by American Richard Baker, who used it as leverage to buy the American Saks stores. After accumulating $1.1 billion in debt, The Bay liquidated its stores (stock)and buildings to pay it off in the summer of 2024.
Before the play “L’Empire du Castor” begins at Espace Libre, we are informed that it was written before the collapse of the colonial giant. From March 3 to 21, this creation by the Nouveau Théâtre Expérimental and La Bordée tells the story of George Simpson (Sir George, the Emperor of the North), one of the governors of the company and Hudson’s Bay.
The play, which has the energy of despair and incredibly versatile actors, mixes the hysterical jingles of department stores in free fall with the colonialist monster of capitalism that always wants more. Part history lesson, part anti-capitalist farce, the production unfolds over two hours of an angry version of American manifest destiny through a monstrous George Simpson and Indigenous and Métis women forced to watch their territory being destroyed.
It is recommended for children (not too young, though) and for those new to Canada’s colonial history —and, of course, for those who mourned the disappearance of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s striped blankets.
Practical Information
Where? Espace Libre, at 1945 Fullum Street
When? March 3 to 21, 2026
What? Tickets start at $40, and you can reserve yours here!
Text: Jean Marc Dalpé and Alexis Martin, with the participation of Michael Mackenzie and Yvette Nolan
Directed by Alexis Martin
Interpretation: Miryam Amrouche, Emmanuel Bédard, Charles Bender, Frédérique Bradet, Marie-Pier Chamberland, and Jean Marc Dalpé
Consulting historian: Anne Trépanier
Assistant director: Élaine Normandeau
Set design: Patrice Charbonneau Brunelle
Lighting design: Émile Beauchemin
Costume design: Virginie Leclerc
Sound design: Raphaël Léveillé
Director: Alexie Pommier
Technical co-direction: Tatiana Raumel, Anne-Sara Gendron, Clara Desautels
Co-production management: Christian St-Pierre, Isabelle Gingras
Co-production: La Bordée and Nouveau Théâtre Expérimental
Duration: 2 hours, without intermission
Post-show discussion: Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 19
