It’s quite amazing
Posted in General on 05. Oct, 2010
It’s quite amazing.”‘The Far Side of the Moon’, 16-25 October; two of Lepage’s films, ‘Le Confessional’ and ‘Possible Worlds’ will be screened 25 & 26 October, Barbican Centre, London EC2 (020-7638 8891). When I saw him playing The Far Side he was always trying to find new things to do, even with a show that he had been touring for a year and a half. He’s been into space, come back to Earth and rooted himself ready to face the future. “Far Side was a great liberation, because I did a lot of stuff that I don’t usually do in my plays,” says Lepage “As an actor, I did things that I’m usually against.
It marked a moment where I became more open to whatever’s there. Instead of trying to direct yet another Robert Lepage show, why don’t I just let myself be influenced by whatever it is out there that will help me tell another story?”As a result, this most tireless of artists has a calendar more packed than ever. I’m a little tired because I was performing it last night, but I know that at the end of the show this afternoon I will feel good, relaxed and full of energy. I feel privileged to do it.”The good news is that he’s easily a match for Lepage. His performance is full of grace and warmth and, if anything, the show is more refined since the last time it was seen in Britain.For Lepage, the whole experience has had the right effect. “But after a year and a half of touring it, I feel like it’s my home It’s very Zen.
“It feels like Robert has gone to school and I’m in his bedroom playing with his toys for a while,” he laughs. His four-week run of The Far Side of the Moon has been a massive hit, forcing him to squeeze in several extra performances.Tall, good-looking and dressed in black, he’s charming company. The box-office assistant points him out as he chats to friends over coffee You get the feeling that everyone’s glad to have him around And so they should be. When somebody steps into my shoes, he’s always welcome to change things.