15 Seconds

David E. Kemp, a former professor of drama at Queen’s University, is
the author of The Pleasures and Treasures of the United Kingdom.

15 Seconds is a translation of Archambault’s play about the
complicated relationships between four thirtysomethings in Montreal. The
protagonists in this funny, thought-provoking, poignant, and often dark
work are Charlotte, a free-spirited advertising writer; her former
boyfriend Richard, a sports fan with a nasty streak; her current
boyfriend Claude, a Generation X loser; and Claude’s brother Mathieu,
who has cerebral palsy.

The play is essentially a 1990s-style love story, but what lifts the
script well above the average is the character of Mathieu. Although his
attempts to woo Charlotte are often in vain, he teaches her—and us,
the audience—about prejudices that exist toward people with
disabilities, and his self-confidence and ability to make light of his
situation is a refreshing change from the usual portrayal of disability
in the theatre.