(The last reheasal for “Émilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” being performed at Kanata Theatre from November 18th to 28th, 2026. Photos: Kanata Theatre)
Tonight and right before your eyes, the 18th century scientific genius Émilie du Châtelet is back from the afterlife and determined to answer the question she died with: love or philosophy, head or heart?
Kanata Theatre’s second performance of it’s 2026-27 season presents “Émilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight”. A thought-provoking gem written by Lauren Gunderson, renowned playwright of “The Wickhams”, “Silent Sky” and “The Book of Will” and based on the real-life story of Émilie du Châtelet, a scientific genius of 18th century France.
While women of her era were considered too simple-minded to understand mathematics or physics, Émilie produced work ranging from a groundbreaking paper on the nature of fire (the first by a woman ever published by the Paris Academy), to a celebrated and still-used translation and commentary on Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica.
Émilie was married to a nobleman of the court of Louis XV, and yet took a series of lovers, including the writer and philosopher Voltaire. Lots of Life! But what’s to defend?
Through a blend of history, science, humour, and dramatic storytelling, Gunderson examines the trials faced by women who dared to challenge traditional expectations. Raised are questions about gender equality, the value of intellectual achievement, and the right of women to shape their own destinies.
In one evening Émilie defends more than her life. She defends her work, her identity, and her right to be remembered as an independent intellectual. Her struggle reflects the difficulties experienced by women whose contributions have been overlooked or overshadowed by the achievements of men.
The incredibly talented cast includes:
- Émilie – Shirley Manh
- Voltaire – Stavros Sakiadis
- Soubrette – Keira Conlin
- Gentleman – El Mehdi Idihya
- Madam – Jennifer Simpson
Performances run from November 18th through to November 28th. Tickets can be purchased online at kanatatheatre.ca, or contacting the Box Office at 613-831-4435, or by email boxoffice@kanatatheatre.ca.
“Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” is presented by arrangement with Concord
Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
