Ally Ntumba Beya and the Collectif MOYO present the uplifting and original play “Village de Bonne Esperance” in French. The show opened strongly this weekend and plays next Friday and Saturday at 8pm. The Sunday matinee shows (3:30pm) are free for youth 15 and under so if you’re looking for a family friendly activity that won’t cost you an arm and a leg (unlike going to a movie these days), head to the MAI (3680 Jeanne-Mance, www.m-a-i.qc.ca) for a cultural experience that you won’t soon be forgetting. The tale of star-crossed lovers is an honest and touching portrayal of so much more than just that, as the themes of monarchy, racial purity, class and family are explored with a timeless twist. The set is amazing, the cast performs in true African form (where everyone does everything, all the singers are the actors who dance and play the instruments) that is to say to the epitome of “multi-tasking”. And by “epitome” I mean that they all do everything well, and not just for the sake of doing everything. The role of the spectator is an active one, as there are seats only for those with limited mobility. Everyone else is encouraged to follow the action over five stages, and the actors move and linger through the crowd for the duration of the play. The singing and dancing numbers are impossible to resist and you will want to shout about your experience from the mountaintops. Check into a membership at the MAI as well for a reduced price as the program promises a dynamic 2007 season.