French play parody of Ovid

A theatrical performance about Roman Gods confronting issues such as sibling rivalry, homosexuality and infidelity will soon be gracing the Arts Project stage, compliments of Jean Leclerc and Western’s French department.

The French professor wrote the four-act, two-hour Jupiter en Famille, which is produced by Le Théatre l’On Donne. Though the entire play is in French, intimate understanding of the language is not required to attend and enjoy.

“Creatively directed by [Western French] professor Mario Longtin, this parody of Ovid’s Metamorphoses — love stories with a twist — can be enjoyed with no special knowledge of French,” says Maggie Dale, staging and directive assistant.

Preparations for the show began in the fall with a cast of 14, consisting of both undergraduates and graduates alike. Jupiter en Famille is a unique and ambitious effort as it is a production on a larger scale than what has been previously offered by the department.

“The primary aim of the production is to put on a theatrical performance for the francophone and francophile community of London and southwestern Ontario, and our success is further proof that multicultural performances can succeed in London — not only francophone performances but ones from other cultures and other languages as well,” Dale says.

Jupiter en Famille will be held at the Arts Project at 203 Dundas St.  March 31 and April 1 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 2 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the French department office, located in University College room 138b, or by e-mailing theatrelondonne@@gmail.com. Tickets are $10 for students and youth, $15 for adults.