Suzanne va sortir follows five incarcerated women who rediscover meaning and purpose through the book club of the penitentiary where they are serving their sentences. Gathered in a former chapel converted into a library, each finds her own form of escape through literature while awaiting release. The women are portrayed as alternately supportive and cruel, playful and engaged — until a novel threatens the very existence of their club.
The play is written by Maxime Beauregard-Martin, author of Mme G. (2018) and Singulières (2022), and is loosely inspired by a journalistic article by Noémi Mercier about a real book club at the Joliette prison. It approaches themes of social reintegration, redemption, freedom, and the role of art with both humour and nuance.
Directed by François Bernier — who recently helmed Club sandwich mayonnaise for Porte Parole — the production is presented by Théâtre DuBunker, making its return to La Licorne after previous productions Les vacances and 5 balles dans la tête.
The cast includes Émilie Gilbert, Nadia Girard Eddahia, Élodie Grenier, Diane Lavallée, Carla Mezquita Honhon, and Anne-Marie Olivier. Performances run Tuesday to Thursday at 19:00, Friday at 20:00, and Saturday at 16:00, from November 17 to December 12, 2026.
Lineup
Maxime Beauregard-Martin
Writer, concept developer and performer of the theatre piece Béluga, presented at Théâtre Denise-Pelletier. In the show, he and François Bernier revisit their experiences of bullying, as a former victim and a former tormentor, in a bittersweet duel.
Émilie Gilbert
Émilie Gilbert is a creative artist whose work rewards visitors who seek out local culture. Look for her pieces in galleries, studios, and community art spaces, where her distinctive vision adds character to the surroundings. A memorable stop for travelers who want an authentic encounter with contemporary creativity.
Nadia Girard Eddahia
Nadia Girard Eddahia is a creative artist whose work rewards the curious traveler. Seek out her studio or gallery showings to experience a distinctive artistic voice up close. Check local cultural listings for exhibitions, and let her creations add a memorable, personal layer to your visit.
Élodie Grenier
Élodie Grenier brings her creative talent to "Mon jour de chance," a theater performance that offers visitors an intimate taste of French-language stage artistry. Ideal for culture lovers seeking an authentic, engaging evening, it showcases live storytelling and heartfelt performance in a welcoming setting.
Diane Lavallée
Diane Lavallée is a creative artist whose work invites visitors to slow down and look closely. Seek out her studio or gallery appearances to experience her distinctive vision firsthand, meet the person behind the art, and take home a meaningful, one-of-a-kind souvenir of your journey.
Carla Mezquita Honhon
Carla Mezquita Honhon is a creative artist whose work offers visitors a distinctive window into local culture and imagination. Seek out her pieces in galleries, studios, or community showcases, where thoughtful craft and personal vision invite you to slow down, look closely, and take home a memorable story.
Anne-Marie Olivier
Anne-Marie Olivier is a creative voice worth seeking out for travelers drawn to the local arts scene. Her work offers a window into the culture and spirit of the place she calls home, making her studio, exhibitions, or performances a rewarding stop for visitors who want an authentic, personal encounter with regional creativity.
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