FACING A SUIRFEIT of saccharine, one could do worse just before Christmas. Urban Tales presents some truly gifted local actors telling twisted stories around a Christmas theme. Four monologues written by francophones (translated by Harry Standjofski) and three original pieces by local anglophone writers – these bracing tales from the dark side are a cold reminder that all is not lights and good cheer. Harry Standjofski’s magical guitar riffs and solid direction gave the minimal stage and stark lighting exactly the right ambiance.

I would go to hear actress Danette MacKay read the phone book. In “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” which she co-wrote with Standjofski, MacKay plays a suburban mom revealing her adventures as a stripper in the eighties. The disturbing relationships of the perfectly rendered women who worked the clubs before the era of lap dancing are the substance of her yarn, brilliantly performed.

Greg MacArthur’s monologue, “A Tail Tale Art,” performed by Patrick Costello, makes a bizarre experience believable. Costello’s transition from “street artist” into creature was a fantastic performance. Beautifully written, it kept the audience on edge.

“She Stook Stock Still” by Josée Bilodeau offers a powerful admonition to those who stand by while others suffer injustice. Actor Marcel Jeannin has terrific presence. His convincing delivery made a man who hated Christmas and perpetrated unspeakable violence, oddly sympathetic.

Chip Chuipka is a consummate actor and his monologue, “Mr. Douglas” (refreshing in the third person,) by Yvan Bienvenue is well written. Still, it is so lacking in hope that the easily depressed should avoid exposure. Beyond dark, it’s opaque. Only Chuipka’s extraordinary talent as a performer makes it bearable.

The only hint of exuberance in the evening comes from Amanda Kellock who performs “Makeover” by Marie-Eve Perron. A nervous young woman decides to invite her whole family over for Christmas dinner, only to be surprised by the descent of a reality-TV crew bent on reforming her dress code.

“My Sister Eats Balls” by André Ducharme is an intriguing title; as soon as actor Graham Cuthbertson gets to the bleeding and death, it’s pretty much over in the way of story. Horror appeals to a huge audience and although dark stories can be compelling, this one was just sad. The actor is valiant in his delivery, but the writing is weak.

Ditto in the final piece, “Shame” by Standjofski, who is also the director. Donovan Reiter plays a tough guy whose thankless job it is to repossess property when the bank has foreclosed, then renovate and resell. A timely idea, but the piece offers three different stories, each in search of an ending. Reiter never lets go of the audience. His performance is convincing and nuanced, but the material he has to work with is woefully undeveloped. The ending comes out of nowhere.

After a successful debut last year, Centaur Theatre has once again teamed up with Théâtre de la Manufacture to present a holiday ritual produced by Théâtre Urbi et Orbi. The same material is currently onstage at La Licorne with a francophone cast, directed by Standjofski. A noble idea, but the writing could use a dash of yeast. After all, it’s Christmas.

Continues at Centaur Theatre, Dec. 19 and 20 at 8 pm. Call 514-288-3161. La Licorne 514-523-2246.