A Black Theatre Workshop &

Great Canadian Theatre Company co-production

Vierge – Rachel Mutombo

Vierge is a story of youth, power, and resilience.

Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Divine’s only real friend is Jesus. When her family joins a new church she learns that the world around her is not as it seems. With heart and humour, Vierge follows four Congolese-Canadian girls as they navigate Christianity, virginity, and teenage hormones.

A Word from Dian

“I am excited to highlight a talented young writer such as Rachel. She brings a fresh Black voice to the stage. Vierge explores Black life beyond trauma, power dynamics, the influence of the church, and the often hidden challenges faced by young Black girls. This work confronts memory, internalized blame, and predatory behavior, capturing a too-soon coming of age with depth and authenticity.”

– Dian Marie Bridge – Artistic Director, BTW

February 12 – March 2, 2025 

Audience Advisory

  • Description of sexual assault
  • Underage drinking
  • Sexual innuendo
  • Bullying

 

 Location

Segal Centre for Performing Arts

5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine Road

After its Montreal opening, Vierge will be heading to the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Visit their website to learn more. 

Rachel Mutombo - Playwright

Rachel Mutombo is an award-winning actor and writer. An acting graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, she has had the great pleasure of acting on screen and stages across the country. As a freelance writer, Rachel has had essays and articles published including by CBC and Intermission Magazine.

Vierge is Rachel’s first full-length play, it was awarded 1st prize in Infinitheatre’s Write-On-Q playwriting competition as well as recently being shortlisted for the QWF Prize for Playwriting. She has various other projects in development with theatre companies across the country including Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon and bcurrent in Toronto. Rachel is also developing a theatre for young audience play at Young People’s Theatre, Homeroom, (2021 winner of Playwright’s Guild of Canada Tom Hendry TYA award). Most recently, Rachel was awarded the Canadian playwright prize from the Jon Kaplan Legacy Fund.

As an alumni of Black Theatre Workshop’s artist mentorship program, Rachel is incredibly honoured to see Vierge having its Montreal premiere with a theatre company so near and dear to her heart.

Cast

Espoir Segbeaya as Divine

Symantha Stewart as Bien Aimé

Joy Mwandemange as Sarah

Seeara Lindsay as Grace

Production Management/Technical Direction | Shopdogs

Design Assistant | Charlotte Castel

Dialect Coach | Sarah Shippobotham

Creative Team

Director |  Dian Marie Bridge

Assistant Director |  Ravyn R. Bekh

Set & Lighting Design |  Zoe Roux

Costume Design |  Georges Michael Fanfan

Sound Design |  Elena Stoodley

Stage Manager |  Danielle Skene

Apprentice Stage Manager |  Corey Weiser

Show Visuals: Loane Studio |  Graphics: Sandie Simard

Photo credits:  Emelia Hellman (Symantha Stewart), Alex Henkelman (Joy Mwandemange), Maxime Côté (Espoir Segbeaya, Seeara Lindsay), Sabrina Reeves (Danielle Skene), Kate Mada (Zoe Roux), Jack Morgan (Corey Weiser).

Dorothy ”Puredomo” Mombrun (Dian Marie Bridge)

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