Contes Cruels (Cruel Tales) is a full-length work written and choreographed by Serge Bennathan, and performed by Hilary Maxwell, Molly McDermott, Josh Martin, Katie Lowen, and Serge Bennathan, with an original score by Montreal-based musician Bertrand Chénier.

The piece draws inspiration on the words of the passer-by who held Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who was shot at the War Memorial on Parliament Hill in 2014: the stranger had been seen holding the dying soldier and told him over and over again how much he was loved, until he died. Cruel Tales wishes to develop a reflection about love and death, and how these two crucial aspects of life disappeared from the contemporary ‘human map’ because of strong social pressures.

My deepest thank you to Hilary Maxwell, Molly McDermott, Katie Lowen, Karissa Barry and Josh Martin for their presence, patience, support and all the artistry you brought into the work. Thank you Carolyn Woods and Karissa Barry for the extra pairs of eyes and guidance. Thank you all at Eponymous for the support, the artist/artisan that I am is grateful. My deepest gratitude to all the Bentalls, thank you for the caring. Yes, it is a privilege to Dance on these grounds, Gratitude.
—Serge Bennathan

Text & Choreography by Serge Bennathan
Performers: Josh Martin, Hilary Maxwell, Molly McDermott, and Katie Lowen
Composer: Bertrand Chénier
Lighting Designer: James Proudfoot