Reading: Claire (Théâtre de la Vieille 17)

Claire is Anie Richer’s first English to French theatrical translation. The original script, Little One, is by award-winning Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch, whose powerful works include Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (winner of the 2021 Governor General’s Award) and Secret Life of a Mother.

This two-part theatrical thriller features a brother and sister, both adopted. Eric is a well-adjusted, accommodating boy. Claire is a little girl ravaged by the aftermath of her biological father’s abuse. In parallel, they tell the stories that led to the implosion of their adopted family, but also the tragic event that took place in their house, now boarded up. In both cases, what really happened is anything but clear.