WHEN TALKING ABOUT CONTEMPORARY French playwright Francis Veber, Guy Mignault, Artistic Director of Théâtre français de Toronto, is eulogistic: “For me, Veber is a modern-day Molière!”

Guy Mignault first made this connection in 2009 when he directed  Le Dîner de cons. A runaway hit, it led to this next exploration of Veber,  L’Emmerdeur, again with Pierre Simpson and Paul Essiembre in the lead roles.

In 2007, Francis Veber reworked his first play, 1969’s Le Contrat, which introduced the iconic character François Pignon, and gave the world a new pain in the ass. Here he occupies the room next to hired hit man Ralf Milan, who is on the job at a small Nice hotel. Mr. Pignon's failed suicide attempt leads to their meeting. The plot and the ensuing events guarantee a show rich with misunderstandings and outlandish situations.

Produced by Théâtre français de Toronto.