Even after four hours of the scenographic genius that made Robert Lepage famous, and despite magnificent visual masterpieces that reflect the work of his hero, The Riopelle Project fails to completely solve the mystery surrounding the painter Jean Paul Riopelle.
The creation of “Ex Machina”, performed for the first time on Thursday at the Diamant Theater in Quebec, a few months after it saw the light of day at Duceppe in Montreal, illuminates the turbulent life of this extraordinary artist, who in his art capable of peak performance as well as the worst in his private life.
Lepage’s portrait of Riopelle, an unrepentant seducer, fickle, self-centered and elusive, is not particularly flattering in this piece in which his life is told in an agreed chronological order, a rather conservative choice for an artist unconcerned with convention sheared.
From Montreal, where he was a student of Borduas and co-signatory of Refus Global, to Paris, where he experienced fame and his most important love affair with the American painter Joan Mitchell, via New York and Montmagny – The Riopelle Project doesn’t miss any important ones Episode in the life of the painter of the homage to Rosa Luxembourg, without, however, succeeding in recognizing his deep motives or exploring his soul.
Robert Lepage obviously couldn’t go beyond what his subject allowed him, as he was reluctant to speak to journalists during his lifetime.
Whether we like it or not, Jean Paul Riopelle remains a mystery.
Stunning
Visually, however, Lepage is once again convincing. The show is full of moments of grace and ingenious discovery, with the stage transforming into an ice rink, projection screens, a Parisian apartment or an American beach depending on the requirements of the scenario.
It is breathtaking to watch Riopelle fly over the frozen lands of the Far North, which on the screens transform into the paintings of his Quartet in White series. Great poetry.
The Riopelle Project is also a fascinating history lesson that brings to life the emergence of the Automatistes movement, a group of artists trying to break free from the great darkness of Duplessis and featuring famous figures such as Maurice Richard, Joan Miró, Marcelle Ferron or Andre Breton.
versatility
Since it is more than 60 years old, the bilingual, subtitled play requires great versatility from the actors, who have to play more than one character.
In this regard, the experienced Luc Picard does an honorable job filling the shoes of Borduas and the old Riopelle, but it is Anne-Marie Cadieux who steals the show, portraying an impetuous and spirited Joan Mitchell.
Gabriel Lemire (young Riopelle) and Noémie O’ Farrell (young Mitchell and Huguette Vachon) are also excellent and we must highlight the remarkable performance of Étienne Lou on the whole. His Claude Gauvreau died of grief after the death of Muriel Guilbault split the heart in two.
- The Riopelle Project can be seen at Theater Le Diamant until November 26th.