Story of a Parisian Newcomer: Iris' one-woman-show

“I go to VIP movie theatres, live among squirrels and raccoons, watch out for my ‘effortful’ Jack-O-Lantern, drive patiently until the pedestrian countdown hits 5, buy milk bags, or sing while shoveling

Iris’ story is that of many newcomers in Hamilton. Leaving her home city of Paris, Iris quickly learns about the stark differences between Canadian culture and her land of birth. Two years later, Iris has fully embraced her new Canadian lifestyle.

She explains, “I go to VIP movie theatres, live among squirrels and raccoons, watch out for my ‘effortful’ Jack-O-Lantern, drive patiently until the pedestrian countdown hits 5, buy milk bags, or sing while shoveling”.

Iris tells her story of coming to a Canada, through the eyes of a newcomer, in her new one-woman show: How I Became Canadian at the Theatre Aquarius Studios for the 2018 Hamilton Fringe Festival. Her performance is a celebration of Canadian culture and the experiences of coming to a new country. The story is written and performed by Iris Gardet-Hadengue and directed by Anne Marie Scheffler.

During her interview here at the station, we discussed the challenges and experiences that come with living in a new country. The subtle differences between Canada and France, that only through living it, one can experience. We explore some of the tiny and subtle experiences of immigrants that are often not discussed.

Listen to the full interview below.

Tickets are $10 (with a required $5 Fringe Backer button) and is available in person or online here. The show will be approximately 55 minutes in length. Showtimes are as follows:

Thursday 19 July - 8pm              
Friday 20 July - 11pm                  
Saturday 21 July - 3:30pm          
Sunday 22 July - 12:30pm                  
Wednesday 25 July - 9:30pm
Saturday 28 July - 8pm 
Sunday 29 July - 3:30pm

You can find more information about Iris and her performances on her website.