NAC Dance presents a collaboration of stellar proportions on November 12 and 13 with Eonnagata.

Eonnagata brings together three of the world’s most inventive artists: internationally adored principal ballerina Sylvie Guillem, theatrical visionary Robert Lepage, and award-winning choreographer Russell Maliphant.

A genre-bending mix of dance and theatre coloured by Kabuki and martial arts, Eonnagata is inspired by the life story of the 18^th century cross-dressing French diplomat and spy, the Chevalier d'Éon - Charles de Beaumont.

The nonconformism of Charles de Beaumont struck a chord with the creators of Eonnagata. 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.

Eonnagata explores the issues of gender and identity and draws from the ancient Kabuki technique of Onnagata, in which male actors stylishly portray female roles.  The work draws from the backgrounds of each of the artists and all three star creators have a performing role.

Poetic lighting, gorgeous costumes by late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, and stirring performances combine in an extraordinary spectacle that has garnered illustrious international praise since its premiere in London in 2009.

"Slick direction and seamless transformations ensure a dream-like progression of images. Characters rise and vanish with almost magical sleight-of-hand." The Sunday Telegraph, London

"Constantly surprising, Eonnagata is a caress rather than a knock-out blow. It is pure artistry and gives new meaning to the term moving pictures." The Stage

“Startlingly Beautiful” The Guardian

EONNAGATA
A Sadler’s Wells London Production
Presented in association with Ex Machina and Sylvie Guillem
Supported by Rolex

Conceived and Performed by: Sylvie Guillem, Robert Lepage, Russell Maliphant
Lighting Designer: Michael Hulls
Costumes: Alexander McQueen
Sound Designer: Jean-Sébastien Côté

Face à Face with Robert Lepage - NAC Studio, November 13, 12 pm Join acclaimed NAC French Theatre Artistic Director Wajdi Mouawad for an in-depth discussion with internationally-renowned artist Robert Lepage. Hear first-hand about Lepage’s experience with Eonnagata, the collaboration process, working in the world of dance and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to sit down with two of the most remarkable Canadian theatre icons. Conversation will be mostly in French with some English, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in either official language. This discussion is a FREE non-ticketed event. Limited Seating. First come first served.

Eonnagata runs in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre on Friday November 12 and Saturday November 13, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $38.74, $48.43, $59.19 and $64.57 for adults and $20.72, $25.56, $30.94 and $33.63 for students (upon presentation of a valid student ID card).

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (no intermission)

Groups of 10 or more save 15% to 20% off regular ticket prices; to reserve your seats, call 613-947-7000, ext. 634 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca.

Tickets are available for purchase:

• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets
• By telephone from Ticketmaster, 613-755-1111
• Online through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s website (www.nac-cna.ca)
• A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster

This production is eligible for the Live Rush program. Full-time students aged 13-29 with a valid Live Rush membership may buy up to two tickets per performance at the discounted price of only $12 per ticket. Live Rush tickets are available from 10 a.m. on the day before the performance until 6 p.m. on the day of the performance. This includes all available seats, including the best seats in the house. Check out liverush.ca for information on the Live Rush program.

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For more information, please call:
Eleri Evans
Marketing and Communications Officer, Dance
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000 ext. 379; e-mail: eevans@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca