Homecumming:
Physical Love is a dead end

Magalie Rouillard-Bazinet’s solo play about heartbreak and anorgasmia

By Luc Archambault

June 13, 2025

Rarely has the Fringe Festival been such a powerful platform for testimony. Magalie Rouillard-Bazinet, with her show Homecumming, uses the stage to exorcise her romantic past. From sexual experimentation to catastrophic breakups, from depression combined with vaginal anorgasmia, nothing is taboo. And this emotional rollercoaster leaves its mark on the stunned audience.

Rouillard-Bazinet holds the fort with a show that she performs in both English and French, a rare occurrence at the Fringe, with phrasing and a mastery of both of Canada’s official languages. And with such a topic on the table, the message she conveys remains of paramount importance in this era of truncated post-me-too relationships.

From sexual experimentation to catastrophic breakups, from depression combined with vaginal anorgasmia, nothing is taboo.

Originally from the Quebec City region, this woman is no stranger to working in all directions. In addition to being a seasoned businesswoman with her own acting, teaching and development studio, she is also an actress, screenwriter, producer, and director. But just as all sunny skies cannot avoid clouds, she also went through a very dark period. Without delving into all the particulars, suffice it to say she found herself entangled in a challenging romantic predicament. Her reluctance to resolve the situation drained her energy and zest for life, ultimately leading to years of chronic anorgasmia.

It’s striking how emotionally she recounts her story, sometimes even moved to tears. Yet, none of this feels gratuitous; it raises the question of how authentic these tears truly are. When asked about this in interviews, she tends to remain elusive. Her command of dramatic expression is still very much evident. Interestingly, she appears to let her emotions flow more freely in the French version of Homecumming—perhaps a result of the more intimate setting, with just three spectators, compared to a packed house for the English performance.

In closing, it’s worth noting that Magalie Rouillard-Bazinet has overcome her struggle with anorgasmia. Though she is currently single, she faces the future with optimism, unburdened by her past. This production stands out as one of the must-see events at this year’s Fringe. Don’t miss this powerful performance—it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Homecumming

Playing at Venue Off A, the Black Theater Workshop
3680 Jeanne Mance, room 432
Friday, June 13, Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15,
in French at 7 pm and in English at 8:30 pm.

Images courtesy of Artéfakt

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