Synopsis

A Wal-Mart store

Isabelle, a frail and bedridden fan of Céline Dion, is at the heart of Olivier Choinière’s provocative play “Bliss.” This dark and surreal drama unfolds in a hyper-realistic retail environment, where employees at a Wal-Mart become ensnared in a bizarre narrative revolving around celebrity worship and personal suffering. Isabelle, whose life revolves around her idol Céline, experiences a blend of reality and hallucination, culminating in a grotesque transformation that blurs the lines between her identity and her idol’s. The play critiques consumer culture and the often toxic nature of fandom, exploring how personal anguish can become intertwined with public adoration.

The play delves into themes of identity and self-discovery, the power of celebrity, social inequality, family dynamics, and the grotesque nature of human suffering. Structured as a non-linear, episodic dark comedy, “Bliss” uses a mix of direct audience address and surreal imagery to create a visceral theatrical experience.