The Geometry of Miracles (1998)

The Geometry of Miracles (picture from www.lacaserne.net)


Robert Lepage: Geometry of Miracles (1998)

Lepage’s ‘Geometry of Miracles’ focuses on the work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and how his work and life interrelates to that of 20th century philosopher George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff. Both these men aimed to use mathematical formulae to define scientific explanations.
The play deals with issues of materialism and spirituality; whilst focusing on the human relationships of the individual opposing the mass. Lepage used geometric shapes (triangles and squares etc) as well as segmented pieces (of performance) that created one chronological narrative to tell this story.

Famed for his intuitive use of technology and set design to portray his ideas, Lepage chooses to use sand to represent what Wright believed to be the basic learning tool for his students, as well as conveying Wright’s ideas on organic architecture through this natural material. The use of technology and its versatility, is clearly represented as a folding table becomes bunk-beds, a car, and a piano.

The show lasted approximately 3 hours and included: a projection screen 14.2m by 4.4m, a crew of 41 people, 11performers, and one moustache iron amid a plethora of props, costume, and technical equipment.

Sources
http://www.lacaserne.net/
www.epidemic.net/fts/Lepage/FTGeometrie.pdf
www.inkpot.com/theatre/99reviews/99revgeommira.html


Posted by Emily Thompson