The Naughty Children’s Bedtime Stories
By Étienne Lepage | Translated by Jack Paterson
Translated from Histoires pour faire des cauchemars (Quebec, Canada)
For ages 10 and up
Eight stories, like a chapters in a novel, spring from the fertile imaginations of “two little good-for-nothings” who refuse to go to bed. Making up creepy, fun-filled stories, they spook each other and explore what’s real and what’s not with their imaginations. Rising above the adult absurdities, their mischievous games reflect life’s great truths which one must learn to embrace and overcome no matter what your age.
Governor General’s Literary Awards French Language Drama finalist (2014)
Cast size: 2F/1M
Running Time: 40 minutes
“I was thoroughly engrossed – what a clever, funny, edgy piece!”
Tessa Mendel, Artistic Director
Halifax Theatre for Young People
Translation commissioned and premiered by The Presentation House Theatre in association with BoucheWHACKED! Theatre Collective at the DIGITAL CHALLENGES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEATRE: A NATIONAL CONFERENCE (North Vancouver, 2019). Translation Dramaturgy provided by Johanna Nutter and Playwrights’ Atlantic Resource Centre.
EXCERPT
DAMIEN
I’m wicked
PATRICIA
said Damien to himself
sitting up in his bed
in the middle of the night
DAMIEN
I’m wicked
it’s true
but it’s not my fault
I’m only a child
and all children
are naturally wicked
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
“I don’t believe that theatre for young audiences should tell children what to do. I believe in children’s intelligence, and their ability to develop deep understanding when faced with a difficult issue.”
Étienne Lepage, Playwright
Étienne Lepage is playwright, scriptwriter, translator and transdisciplinary creator. Based in Montreal, his work has been seen across North America and Europe. Among his many creations, are Rouge Gueule, L’Enclos de l’éléphant, Ainsi parlait. His work has twice been a finalist for The Governor General Award French Language Theatre.
This translation is made possible by a commission by The Presentation House Theatre and a grant from Canada Council for the Arts. It was workshoped by Playwrights’ Atlantic Resource Centre with dramaturgy by Johanna Nutter.
