THE MEASURE OF LOVE
Drama — 65 minutes / 2W

synopsis

Joan Sinclair receives an unexpected gift from her friend Mabel: a handwritten play and a theatre audience. The two women will re-enact their friendship from its beginning in high school to the event that led to a 40-year hiatus. But does Mabel's depiction of the events accurately tell the story? Have the two women been harbouring secrets from one another? The Measure of Love explores the themes of memory, loss, and regret.

“[The] writing is probing and fresh. [...] The initial set-up of two women 'acting up' their lives onstage gives way to a very natural and moving encounter. From the artifice of theatre comes an emotional truth that renowned Montreal director Jean-Louis Roux handles with grace and charm.”

 
“The most completely satisfying play so far at this summer's festival is also one of the shortest, The Measure of Love, a new work by young playwright Nicolas Billon. [The play] brings laughter on top of tears.”

 
“[The Measure of Love] is a stunning accomplishment [...] Powerful, moody and rewarding. Who said there are no good roles for women anymore?”

 
“There are plays that have a real emotional impact on its audience — and when you see one, it stays with you for quite some time. The Measure of Love is one of these plays and it will most definitely stick with me for a very long time.”

June 9 – September 25, 2005
The Stratford Festival of Canada (Stratford, Canada)
Studio Theatre
Cast: Fiona Reid, Diana LeBlanc
Director: Jean-Louis Roux