Bilingual play explores legacy of referendums in Quebec and Scotland

A Quebecerand a Scot walk into a bar. On the surface, they might not have much in common.But all that changes once you bring up sovereignty.

That's the premise of a new play making its Quebec premiere at theThtre de Quat'Souson Des Pins Avenue.

It's a co-production betweenthe National Theatre of Scotland, Montreal's Theatre PAP and Hotel-Motel, paid for in part by a provincial grant to foster artistic collaboration abroad.

The bilingual play,Premire Neige/First Snow,explores the connection between Quebecand Scottish politics, looking at the parallel movements for independence.

DirectorPatrice Duboisdescribed the process of developing the play as "a cultural and artistic exchange," beginning with a trip to Scotland during the height of thereferendum campaign there in 2014.

Duboistook a deep dive into the history, politics and culture surrounding the debateand came out feeling as though the two places were meant to be in dialogue.

The play was co-created by Quebec and Scottish writersDavey Anderson, Philippe Ducros and Linda McLean.

They also involved actors from an early stage, asking them to bring their own stories, perspectives and experiences to the process.

"This material that the actors brought was so vibrant and so inspiring," said Dubois.

'It's a powerful play'

ThierryMabonga,a Scottish actor in the play, told CBC Montreal'sHomerun that a good deal of what the actors brought to the workshop ended up in the final product.

"There's like a collage between fiction and non-fiction," he explained.

The play follows a group of diverse people brought together at a family gathering where sparks fly as soon as politics enters the conversation.

Mabonga said that it's a different feeling, performing a show they all helped build parts of which are based on personal experiences.

"It's a powerful play. Our personal stories givethe play a sort of fearlessness. We are not afraid to discuss the politics," he said.

After a run in Edinburgh last summer,PremireNeige/First Snowis on now at theThtre de Quat'Sousand runs until March 23.