Sony Centre Presents EONNAGATA 11/18-19

Ten years after his last Toronto performance, fans of theatrical genius Robert Lepage will have a rare opportunity to see him on stage when the Sony Centre presents Eonnagata, a Sadler's Wells London production in association with Ex Machina and Sylvie Guillem, on November 18 and 19, 2010. Created and performed by Robert Lepage, internationally acclaimed French dancer Sylvie Guillem and award-winning British choreographer Russell Maliphant, this remarkable theatrical production from London's acclaimed Sadler's Wells first premiered in 2009 and has since toured France, Spain, Germany and Singapore.

Eonnagata tells the story of Charles de Beaumont, Chevalier d'Éon, an 18th -century French diplomat, soldier, and spy. Daring and unconventional, de Beaumont is believed to be the first spy to use cross-dressing in order to successfully carry out his missions and, until the day he died, his true gender was a source of constant speculation. Drawing on the onnagata of Japanese Kabuki theatre in which male actors play female roles, Eonnagata melds dance and theatre to probe the mystery of gender and human nature.

The nonconformism of Charles de Beaumont struck a chord with the creators of Eonnagata which features lighting by Michael Hulls, spectacular costumes by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, and sound design by Jean-Sébastien Côté.

Ex Machina was founded in 1994 by Robert Lepage as a multidisciplinary company bringing together actors, writers, set designers, technicians, opera singers, puppeteers, computer graphic designers, video artists, contortionists and musicians. The creative team believes that the performing arts (dance, opera, and music) should be mixed with recorded arts (filmmaking, video art and multimedia). Ex Machina strives to serve as a laboratory and incubator for a form of theatre that will reach and touch audiences. Ex Machina is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Quebec's Arts and Literature Council and the City of Quebec.

Eonnagata runs at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts (1 Front Street East, Toronto) for two performances only Thursday, November 18 and Friday, November 19, 2010 at 8 pm. Tickets range from $39 to $159 and are available by calling 416-872-2262, online at www.sonycentre.ca or in person at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts Box Office (1 Front Street East, Toronto). Group discounts (8 people +) may be purchased by calling 416-393-7463 or 1-866-737-0805. For more information visit www.sonycentre.ca .

Sony Centre For The Performing Arts is pleased to collaborate with Canadian Stage to feature Robert Lepage productions from Ex Machina for Toronto audiences. The Andersen Project will run at the Bluma Appel Theatre from October 21 to 30, 2010. For details visit www.canadianstage.com .

Eonnagata is supported by ROLEX.

2010/2011 Season Sponsor: Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse
Innovations Sponsors: Introtel and Mitel Networks Corporation
Recycling Sponsor: Montclair Natural Springs Waters
Venue Sponsor: Rogers
Under 30 Rush Sponsor: TD Bank Financial Group

 

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