Bashir Lazhar

A powerful and moving story from celebrated Québec playwright Evelyne de la Chenelière, “Bashir Lazhar” is a nuanced and deeply humanistic play. The story, which was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film “Monsieur Lazhar”, follows an Algerian immigrant who takes a job as a substitute teacher for a grade 6 class after the previous teacher’s sudden death. As he helps the traumatized students navigate their grief, he must also contend with his own personal tragedy and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. The play delicately explores themes of loss, immigration, and cultural misunderstanding with both wit and profundity. It is a celebration of survival, courage, and human connection. Presented in French.