For over 30 years now Robert Lepage has been revolutionising theatre by making pioneering, visually enchanting and breath-taking work. NEEDLES AND OPIUM, which was first premiered in 1991 was reworked by the Canadian theatre maker 3 years ago. Currently touring and making a stop at The Barbican Centre this production is further proof that Rober Lapage’s genius never ceases to amaze.In 1949 the French artist Jean Cocteau returns from New York to Paris. Enchanted by the openness of the “standing city” he reflects in his journal on his relationship with dreams and love. At the same time an American musician Miles Davis is visiting Paris. Davis, like Cocteau is also experiencing a completely different world, a world in which he meets Picasso, Sartre and falls in love with Juliette Greco. Lepage also adds another character to this story of parallel lives, a character based on himself – Robert. A middle aged man from the modern world who like Cocteau and Davis finds himself heartbroken and lost between Paris and New York.
Lepage’s vision and use of the two talented performers Marc Labrèche (Cocteau and Robert) and Wellesley Robertson III (Miles Davis) is simply incredible. Jean Cocteau is not only the narrator of the piece, but also a mystical figure, a prophet who with his child-like attitude seems to effortlessly fly above The Barbican’s stage. Robertson’s Davis never speaks but like a ghost from the past, lost in his music takes us on a journey of addiction and loss. To balance the poetical and metaphorical nature of these two characters Robert is a literal one. Completely committed to the world he creates Labrèche delivers an outstanding yet subtle performance in which he is simply captivating.
Lepage’s brilliance lies not only in his use of space or the use of poetic language but also in the emphasis he puts on creating images and moments. Specificity and absolute dedication is what makes NEEDLES AND OPIUM an unforgettable experience. The existence and use of everything in this piece, be it an object, a song or an image is absolutely vital and justified. The set designed by Carl Fillion; a rotating three wall cubicle, which with the help of digital technology transforms itself into a hotel room, a New York Street and a jazz club; is not only a visual treat but also a symbol of the stifling effect and alienation that is often the result of substance abuse and a broken heart.
NEEDLES AND OPIUM is a haunting, innovative and powerful tale of loss, addiction and creativity. It is an absolute must see for not only those who admire Lepage but for everyone.
Some of the most thrilling, challenging, entertaining and exasperating theatre I've ever seen has been written and directed by Anthony Neilson. The one thing you'll never be at a Neilson play is bored. He is extraordinarily uncompromising both in what he writes and how he rehearses, always pushing at the boundaries of good taste before stepping way over the line and often discovering universal truths in the process.