The Stage

Lepage, Guillem and Maliphant to present Eonnagata at Sadler’s Wells

Published Thursday 13 November 2008 at 15:35 by Lalayn Baluch

World-renowned theatre maker Robert Lepage is to join forces with dancer Sylvie Guillem and choreographer Russell Maliphant to create a new show called Eonnagata, which will be staged as part Sadler’s Wells spring 2009 season.

The story recounts the life of Charles de Beaumont, a member of French King Louis XV’s spy network, the King’s Secret, whose true gender was a constant source of speculation right up to his death. Lepage, Guillem and Maliphant will draw on the ancient Kabuki technique of onnagata, in which male actors portray female roles in an stylised fashion. The production will receive its world premiere in February.

Also in the same month, Les Ballets C de la B founder Alain Platel will stage his latest work Pitie! and newly-appointed Sadler’s Wells associate director Hofesh Shechter will present Choreographers Cut in a live gig at London’s Roundhouse, featuring 20 live musicians and 17 dancers.

The venue’s retrospective on American artist William Forsythe, which began last month, will culminate in April and May with six new works. Events will include two UK premieres by the Forsythe Company, film screenings at Sadler’s Wells, and a performance and installation at the Tate Modern, and three other London venues.

Another off-site performance will be Pictures From an Exhibition by director Daniel Kramer and choreographer Frauke Requardt at the Young Vic, while at the venue Bruno Beltrao will present a piece of work as part of the Sadler’s Wells Debut scheme, which allows audiences to see productions by new artists for £10.

The summer will see Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui - also appointed as associate artist at Sadler’s Well - return with his show Sutra, and Adam Cooper will present his first new production at the venue since 2005 with the world premiere of Shall We Dance.