Robert Lepage revisits childhood in solo show this weekend

Theatrical wizard Robert Lepage is ourguide to a magical mystery tour ofthe past. AMontreal artist finds inspiration in science and the Canadian Arctic. And it's all about the beat for local classical musicians.

Persistence of memory

Expect magic, illusion and poetry in Robert Lepage'ssolo show 887, as the artistrecallshis childhoodgrowing up in Quebec City in the politically tumultuous1960s.

887paints a portrait ofthe artist as a young boy, revealing his relationship with his taxi driverfather andtheatricalmother, set against thegrowing separatistmovement in Quebec.

Robert Lepage on the vagary of memory

7 years ago

Duration 0:47

Robert Lepage on the vagary of memory in remembering his childhood.

A replica of the apartment Lepagegrew up in dominates the stage, but this reimagined versioncould have been designed by Escher. Like memory itself, it's a distorted, oversized mazeof hidden tunnels and trapdoors leadingto family secrets.

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 12 to Saturday, Jan. 27.

WHERE: BabsAsperTheatre at the National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.

COST: Tickets start at $35 and run to $89 and can be purchased here.

Art meets science

Also from Quebec City, conceptual artistAmlieLaurenceFortinvisited Canada's Arctic last autumnalongsidea group of scientists, explorers and architects. She was inspired by the landscape of the North, but also the exchangeof ideas and perspectives she gained fromcolleagues working in different disciplines.

The result is a multi-mediaexhibition employingcutting-edge scientificinventions such as Singularity Black, a manmade coating that makes 3D forms seem flat.

WHEN: Under the Suns runs until Feb. 24

WHERE:AXENO7atLa Filature, 80Hanson St., Gatineau (in the Hull district).

COST: Free

Rhythm and dance

Kids just get it: music is all about dancing and moving to the beat. It's likely they won't need much encouragement to get up on the dance floor whenOttawa's BelCanto Wind Quintet leadsa workshop for youngstersand their parents about how rhythm forms the backbone of music throughout the world.

From tango to disco, musicians will encourage kids as young as threeto lay down some dance moves and createtheir own percussion.

WHERE:Azrieli Studio, NAC, 1 Elgin St.

WHEN: Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

COST: $11for children, $15 for adults.