Les suppliantes is a new theatrical creation by director and scenographer Sophie El-Assaad, presented on the main stage of Théâtre Prospero in Montreal. The production is inspired by Aeschylus's ancient Greek play written 2,500 years ago, in which a chorus of migrants flees violence and arrives in Argos to seek the protection of its king.
The show weaves together the mythological story of Io — a mortal assaulted by Zeus, transformed into a cow, and condemned to wander the earth — with the contemporary reality of asylum seekers navigating dehumanizing systems. Through a series of visceral and moving visual tableaux, the production breaks the fourth wall to restore voice to objectified bodies.
El-Assaad's staging draws on her background in visual arts, sculpture, and installation to create a sensory experience that brings myth into dialogue with personal memory. The production questions who decides who deserves to be saved, and challenges audiences to reflect on their own posture and identity.
This marks El-Assaad's first full-scale theatrical creation as a director, following her contributions to numerous productions as a scenographer, costume designer, and co-director. She was awarded the Prix François-Barbeau (Duceppe) and the Prix Gascon-Roux (TNM) in 2025 for her costume design work, and was nominated for the prestigious Prix Jovette-Marchessault in 2021.
The cast includes Melania Maria Balmaceda Venegas, Charo Foo Tai Wei, Nora Guerch, Jorge Martinez Colorado, Papy Maurice Mbwiti, Philippe Racine, and Micha Raoutenfeld.
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Melania Maria Balmaceda Venegas
Melania Maria Balmaceda Venegas is a creative artist associated with *Les suppliantes*, a theater performance inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy about asylum, justice, and compassion. Visitors seeking thought-provoking live drama will find her involvement a compelling reason to attend.
Charo Foo Tai Wei
Charo Foo Tai Wei is a creative artist associated with Les suppliantes, a theater performance inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy. Visitors seeking contemporary stage art will find a thoughtful, expressive production worth experiencing, offering a memorable cultural evening for theater lovers.
Nora Guerch
Nora Guerch is a creative artist connected to Les Suppliantes, a theatrical performance drawing on the ancient Greek tragedy about exiled women seeking refuge. Visitors can expect a powerful, thought-provoking stage experience that brings timeless themes of asylum and solidarity vividly to life.
Jorge Martinez Colorado
Jorge Martinez Colorado is a creative artist connected to *Les suppliantes*, a theater performance inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy. Visitors can expect a stage experience that brings timeless themes of refuge, justice, and courage to life. A rewarding stop for theater lovers.
Papy Maurice Mbwiti
Performer in the cast of Le violon d'Adrien, presented at Théâtre de Quat'Sous in Montreal (April 20 – May 12, 2027). The production adapts Gary Victor's novel, directed by Sofia Blondin.
Philippe Racine
Philippe Racine is a creative artist linked to *Les Suppliantes*, a theatrical performance inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy. Visitors can expect a compelling stage experience rooted in classical drama, an engaging choice for travelers seeking culture and live theater.
Micha Raoutenfeld
Micha Raoutenfeld is a creative artist connected to *Les Suppliantes*, a theater performance inspired by Greek tragedy. Visitors can expect a compelling stage experience that brings ancient themes of refuge and justice to life, ideal for those seeking thoughtful, contemporary live theater.
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