This short film pays tribute to Acadian actress Viola Léger. One of the brightest stars in Canada’s artistic firmament, Léger is best known for her role as La Sagouine in the play of the same name by Acadian writer Antonine Maillet. She has performed it more than 2,500 times, winning rave reviews for her authentic and engaging portrayal. In this film, an in-depth interview combined with archival photos and videos captures the passion and vitality of a woman who, at the venerable age of 82, is ever willing to take on the roles still being offered to her.
Produced by the NFB in co-operation with the National Arts Centre and the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation on the occasion of the 2013 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
Ages 10 to 18
Arts Education - Drama
English Language Arts - CanLit
Languages - French as a Second Language
Social Studies - Communities in Canada/World
Consider what the director is trying to convey by juxtaposing Viola Léger and her character, La Sagouine, throughout the film. What does Léger mean when she observes that different social classes and nationalities recognize themselves in her performance because “the real message is between the lines” (2:30)? At its core, La Sagouine is a play about human dignity. How does Léger exhibit dignity during her discussion of the Governor General’s Award (4:15)?