Lunchbox Theatre

This poetic and playful script is a tour de force for the solo actor who plays all four friends along for the ride. It’s also a heart-warming story that challenges the myths and assumptions around aging. 

Award-winning Montreal playwright Martin Bellemare’s work has been produced extensively in Quebec and in Europe. When this script premiered in 2009 as Le chant de Georges Boivin, it was awarded the Prix Gratien-Gélinas. This translation, by Jack Paterson with Johanna Nutter, premiered in 2021 at Western Gold Theatre in Vancouver, in association with Bouche Theatre Collective.

Directed by Bronwyn Steinberg

Poster Artwork by Maezy Reign

Run time: 63 minutes

Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

“Beth Kates’s set and lighting give the play a dreamlike quality, as does Anton deGroot’s sound design. The Ballad of Georges Boivin is beautifully written, directed, designed and acted, and it has so much to say about aging, friendship, and, above all, the enduring qualities of love.”
- Louis B. Hobson, Calgary Herald

“The Ballad of Georges Boivin is a really sweet and lovely story…a touching story about love, friendship, and the fear of death…a show that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun or touching show. It is certainly one that I will be encouraging my friends and family, especially my grandparents, to go see.”
– A L Couch, Calgary’s Independent Critic

From English language premiere THE BALLAD OF GEORGES BOIVIN produced by Western Gold Theatre in association with Bouche Theatre Collective (2021)

“…explores with great insight thematic territory I’ve never seen covered before…a revelation...the execution is poetic and the insight genuine…a revelation... an intimate — and rewarding — conversation about love.” – Colin Thomas, Colin Thomas on Theatre (colinthomas.ca)

“…insightful, thoughtful and mind-expanding…This is a beautiful play, filled with hope and longing and the realization that yes, there is life and love well into our golden years!” – EntertainmentVancouver.com

“…a heart-warming play that shakes off the myths often associated with old age.” – Reviewvancouver.com

French language production reviews:

"Le Chant de Georges Boivin intimately reveals the experiences of an elder person with great finesse and delicacy.” - Prix Gratien-Gélinas jury 2009

“Le Chant de Georges Boivin is a precious gift. A “beautiful adventure” for an older actor…” - Isabelle Houde, Le Soleil

“…a theatrical road-movie brimming with vulnerability…this play destroys any prejudice that older people are devoid of passionate. Even after great loss, love is possible.” - Alix Forgeot, L-Express.ca

Location:

Lunchbox Theatre performances take place in the Studio at Vertigo Theatre, at the base of the landmark Calgary Tower.

#161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P5

Parking Information

Tickets can’t be purchased online 60 minutes before the show but you can call and book at 403-221-3708 or at the box office window before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before the show.

You are welcome to pack your lunch or dinner and eat it during the show, the bar will be open before each performance to purchase snacks and drinks but there are no sandwiches/ lunches for sale at the venue.

Note: We aim to have a scent-sensitivity environment. Please avoid wearing scented personal care products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or creams for the body, face or hands.

We suggest this show for 12+.

Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Relaxed and ASL

We'll also be joined by Inside Out Theatre's Good Host program on Sunday, April 21st at 1:30PM to make this performance more accessible. We welcome the Deaf, Deafened and Hard of Hearing community to enjoy the show with ASL interpretation, provided by Good Host, and we'll also be offering this show as a Relaxed performance.

See more details here

Masked Performance

Our priority is providing a safe environment for our patrons, staff, volunteers and artists. In an effort to support the comfort levels of all our guests, Lunchbox Theatre has made the decision to offer select Masked Performances this season. This decision was made to address the accommodations requested by some of our patrons, either for preference or personal health reasons. We hope this option gives reassurance of Lunchbox Theatre's support of all our patrons, and ask that all in attendance respect these special accommodations for these performances. 

The Ballad of Georges Boivin

• Sunday, April 21st at 1:30 PM

See more details here

What is a Talk Back?

After the show's performance, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced.

2023-24 SEASON