The play Où on va, papa ? (Where we going, Daddy?) is adapted from the award-winning autobiographical novel by Jean-Louis Fournier telling the story of a father raising his two sons, Mathieu and Thomas, both born with debilitating physical and mental challenges. Though a devoted father, he does not shy away from exploring the limits of his love and the countless times he is filled with frustration and disappointment with no relief in sight.

Fournier reveals everything with a heavy emotional punch. He does not hide behind a mask of cliché, but gives voice to the darkness that comes with disability, and the rare moments of light. Through short, powerful vignettes, Fournier shows us his life with cynicism and humor. It’s a pastiche of emotions, memories, and anecdotes that combine to form a deep and affecting picture of this particular kind of parent/child relationship.

Mathieu and Thomas can barely communicate, and each in turn repeats learned phrases, such as “Where we going, Daddy?” (a favorite in the car) in what feels to Fournier to be an eternal loop.

“Where we going, Daddy ?” won the 2008 Prix Femina, France’s prestigious literary prize.

Adapted and performed by Xavier Carrar

Directed by Layla Metssitane

The play will be performed in French with subtitles in English.

Date: Friday, 22 March 2019
Time: 8 to 9:30 PM
Place: Alliance Française de Karachi
Entry: Free entry but please be punctual. Seats will be given on a first come, first served basis.