Théâtre DesAssimilés presents Tip Finless’s Sticky Business, a play inspired by the 2011-2012 real-life heist of $18.7 million worth of maple syrup from a storage facility in Québec, at the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival.
As we strive to make French theatre more accessible to all audiences in Nova Scotia, this seemed like the perfect show to continue our journey towards this goal.
In this Q&A, we learn more from members of Théâtre DesAssimilés.
Sticky Business plays at the Cambridge Battery in Point Pleasant Park (5530 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax) on September 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8. Visit halifaxfringefestival.ca for tickets and information.
This interview has been edited.
Q. Tell us about Sticky Business. What can audiences expect?
The show started as a project for writer and director Tip Finless’s theatre class. He said, “When I saw that Canada had a cartel and that it had to do with maple syrup, I knew I had to write a play about it.” Audiences can expect a show full of intrigue, maple syrup talk, and playful rivalry between francophones and anglophones.
Q. What was the inspiration for Sticky Business?
The show was inspired by a real-life heist that took place in Québec. Once Tip heard of this heist and the whole maple syrup cartel, he was immediately inspired to write about it.
Q. Why this particular show now?
Théâtre DesAssimilés chose this show now because we have been looking to support and showcase local bilingual talent. Sticky Business spoke to us as it was a bilingual show that plays around with translating French to English or the other way around within the script of the show. As we strive to make French theatre more accessible to all audiences in Nova Scotia, this seemed like the perfect show to continue our journey towards this goal.
Q. What do you hope audiences leave talking about after seeing Sticky Business?
Our director, Tip, hopes that audiences walk out talking about the craziness of the situation in its reality and inherent silliness.
Q. Why should someone come to see Sticky Business?
Someone should see this show to learn about Canadian history and have a good chuckle. We also think this is a great first show to see if you haven’t seen a Théâtre DesAssimilés show yet. There’s some French, there’s some English, there’s truly something for everyone.
Sticky Business plays at the Cambridge Battery in Point Pleasant Park (5530 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax) on September 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8. Visit halifaxfringefestival.ca for tickets and information.