THE ANDERSEN PROJECT AT THE AUCKLAND FESTIVAL 09

Last night at Auckland's Aotea Centre, along with a thousand or so other theatre goers, I was spellbound, mesemerised, amazed and enchanted by a truly astonishing piece of theatrical wizardry.

The Andersen Project was created by renowned writer/director Robert Lepage and performed by master Canadian actor Yves Jacque (pic left by Emmanuel Valette) who was right at the top of his game. He delivered a brilliant solo performance lasting two hours and five minutes without an interval in which he plays a variety of roles requiring different English accents, different languages and lightning fast costume changes.He was simply stunning.

Frederic, a pop lyricist from Montreal, goes to Paris at the behest of Opera Garnier who have commisioned him to write a libretto inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's rather dark story,The Dryad. He settles into a friend's apartment on Rue Saint-Denis and proceeds to meet in various Parisian locales a number of unusual people, all of course played by himself. I thought the senior man from the Opera company, who spoke both French, (subtitles provided), and accented English was especially well done.

The use of amazingly realistic video backdrops, which the actor entered on a number of occasions, was especially effective and impressive.There must have been a huge team of engineers, designers and other backstage.

This is wonderful modern thearte which I highly recommend. The season runs until Sunday with performances tonight and Saturday at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 5.30pm. Ticket prices range from $45-$85. Don't miss it.

www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events

FOOTNOTE:

The Andersen Project was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Quebec Arts & Literature Council, and the City of Quebec.

It was supported in Auckland by the High Commissioner of Canada in New Zealand.

On behalf of Auckland Festival-goers I salute them and extend my thanks and appreciation and want them to know that their funding has been put to wonderful use. It it wasn't for them then The Andersen Project would never have reached the stage.