Background
Written by Robert Lapage, the play was first performed at Le Theatre du Trident in Quebec in 2000 and the film was released in 2003. It was Canada's nomination for the foreign language Oscar.
Very Basic Plot
The story deals with Phillippe and his rivalry with his brother after their mother's death. Phillippe attempts to place himself in the universe, through his studies and theories, including his idea that narcissism is fueling the space race.
Context
When the moon was first analysed, before the invention of the telescope, it was believed that the moon was a giant mirror, which reflected the mountains and scenery of earth. However, under scrutiny of later years it was revealed that the craters on the 'dark side of the moon' were the result of the environment of space. The space race was the competition between the USA and the Soviet Union between 1957 and 1975. it was important, both for scientific reasons of exploration, and because it had the ability to raise the hopes and moods of the nations it involved.
Techniques and staging
Everyone who has seen the performance comments on one particular scene, in which Lapage appears weightless through mirrored panels placed on the stage. These panels were also used to create any room or environment needed for the production. Another design used in this play was a washing machine, used for that purpose, or later as a part of the space machine and, in some performances, as a metaphor for birth. With regards to actors, Robert Lepage played both brothers, and other characters in this piece.
Posted by Natalie Kahn
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