A Life in Multiple Roles: Lepage's Enigmatic Dance
By DAVID LITTLEJOHN
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703584804576144263719067834.htmlBerkeley, Calif.
After opening two years ago at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre, Robert Lepage's theater-dance piece "Eonnagata"—which he co-created and co-performs with dancer Sylvie Guillem and choreographer Russell Maliphant—has been seen in Canada, France, Germany, Singapore and Spain. Earlier this month, Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley served as its only U.S. venue so far.
One should explain the quirky title. The "Eon" refers to Charles de Beaumont (1728-1810), known as the Chevalier d'Éon after he was knighted by Louis XV in 1763. This spellbinding performance piece is based on his very strange life. "Onnagata" is the Japanese term for men who play female roles, a concept that dominates both this production and the Chevalier's existence.
