Malaise dans la civilisation (Civilization and Its Discontents) is a contemporary theatre work by Canadian creators Alix Dufresne and Étienne Lepage. Inspired by the title of Sigmund Freud’s book, the performance creates a strange and playful world where characters test the boundaries of morality through sharp humor and unexpected actions.

About the Performance

Malaise dans la civilisation (Civilization and Its Discontents) creates a strange and playful theatrical world where complex characters innocently test the boundaries of morality.

Inspired by Sigmund Freud’s book title, the work examines human behavior and social norms through humor, physical performance, and unexpected situations. Nothing and no one is left untouched as the characters challenge established ideas about acceptable behavior.

First presented in 2022, the French-language theatre work quickly gained attention across North America. Through their exploration of the subtle boundary between stage and audience, Alix Dufresne and Étienne Lepage question both theatrical conventions and social norms.

Cast & Creatives

Alix Dufresne & Étienne Lepage

Alix Dufresne and Étienne Lepage are theatre creators from Quebec, Canada.

Together, they explore the relationship between performance and audiences, creating works that examine social structures and theatrical forms.

Why It’s Worth Seeing

Malaise dans la civilisation (Civilization and Its Discontents) offers a combination of physical theatre, comedy, and philosophical reflection. Through playful performances and unexpected situations, the work invites audiences to reconsider familiar ideas about morality and social behavior.

The performance is approximately 60 minutes and is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above.