Bridget O'Sullivan & Charlie Gallant.  David Cooper Photography

Bridget O'Sullivan, Charlie Gallant & Ron Lea.  David Cooper Photography

Colleen Murphy's The December Man (L'homme de decembre)  has received the 2007 Governor General's Literary Award in Drama and the 2008 Canadian Authors Association Carol Bolt Award for Drama for this play. 

When Marc Lepine opened fire in a classroom at Ecole Polytechnique in 1989, the lives of many turned for the worst.  Kathleen and Benoit, the parents of one of the men ordered out of the room, at first felt lucky that their son's life was spared.  But young Jean's life became unglued as he grappled with the guilt brought on by not intervening.

"..the most shattering performances you're likely to see anywhere this year..." ~ Jerry Wasserman, The Province

 "...no (one) should miss the chance to see this." ~Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

"...the best Canadian play." ~ Michael Harris, Globe and Mail

"..a rich -albeit tragic- impression of a family responding to a crisis." ~Rob Peters, Westender

Touring: Performance Works, Granville Island, Vancouver, November 20th- December 7th, 2008

Feedback and Reviews

The story is truly moving and very well told.  I thought the script was incrediblely well written, to the point that a week later I'm still picking gems out of it.  The power of the three performers was amazing, and technically flawless.  I was impressed with their ability to end one scene on an amazingly cathartic note, and then begin the next scene moments later as though the previous scene had never happened.  That has a lot to do with Patrick's directing as well.

My partner and I went to see The December Man yesterday afternoon. It was without question the most moving and disturbing play I have seen in a long time. The play itself is an absolute gem, brilliantly written, and exceptionally poignant and grim. The stark, lugubrious simplicity of the set, and the clear crisp direction of the play draw us, the spectators, directly into the maelstrom of this hellish existential situation. The performances by the actors, all three of them, were absolutely outstanding! We have long been followers of Charlie Gallant, as we are avid patrons of Bard on the Beach, and we knew of his tremendous acting abilities in that and other venues, but the other two actors were unknown to us, and we duly impressed. Please convey our heartfelt congratulations to the actors, director, and all involved in this production. A job well done.
- Frederick Fajardo

My wife and I took in The December Man on Wednesday.

We were both very moved by the story. In fact, at times I found the proceedings a challenge to watch; this is not a complaint but a testament to the quality of the script -including the reverse order of scenes, which made me feel as if I was witnessing a car crash in slow motion- the tremendous capacity of the cast, and the strength of Green Thumb's creative process to bring the story alive.

Clearly, Green Thumb needs to be better supported to realize such quality and relevant theatre.

Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to experience The December Man and better appreciate Green Thumb's efforts.

Recommended Audience: For Adults & 16+

Themes

• Ecole Polytechnique Massacre