Theatre

ÉMILIE

Pursuing her passion for science despite society, falling in love with the famous Voltaire, straying from the norm. ÉMILIE is the premiere of a high-energy comedy-drama with original music and larger-than-life characters.

$39 - $45 (plus service fees)
75 minutes, no interval
19 - 23 September 2023
Tue 19 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Wed 20 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Thu 21 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Fri 22 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Sat 23 Sep, 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Sat 23 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:45pm

 

Paris, summer 1733. Émilie’s work has stalled and she can’t face another social event in the gossip-fuelled capital. Little does she know she is about to fall in love with a famous poet. Little does he know, he is about to meet his intellectual match – an extraordinary woman, a scientist, who will change his life forever. 

With high-energy, comedic performances and an original soundtrack performed live, we invite you to step into 18th-century France, where everyone has (and should know) their place… 

“Judge me for my own merits, or lack of them, but do not look upon me as a mere appendage to [my husband] or that famed author [Voltaire]. I am in my own right a whole person." – Émilie du Châtelet. 

Ten years after her death, Émilie’s translation of Newton’s Principia from Latin into French was published. While it is still the main translation used today, she is either forgotten or recognised as 'the mistress’ of Voltaire, one of France’s most revered philosophers and writers. 

It’s time to tell Émilie’s story.

Presented by: 
Sophie Lindsay 

Supported by: 
Embassy of France in Wellington

Creative team: 
Sophie Lindsay: Writer, Director and Composer 
Peau Halapua: Music Director 
Nati Pereira: Set, Costume and Props Designer 
D. Andrew Potvin: Producer and Lighting Designer 
Sam Mence (CASTL): Technical Systems and Operation 
Gustavo Garcia: Graphic Designer

Performers:
Beth Alexander:
Émilie du Châtelet
Justin Rogers: Voltaire
Bronwyn Ensor: Marie, Lady 1
Clementine Mills: Isabelle, Lady 2
Peau Halapua: Violinist
Sarah Spence: Cellist

ÉMILIE - additional image - q theatre

 Image credit: Billy Wong

  • 12 - 16 December 2023
    Comedy

    Christ! What a Night!

    A festive treat brought to you by internet and comedy superstars Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury. A festive retelling of the nativity story which is sure to make the yuletide just that little bit more gay.
  • 28 February - 2 March 2024
    Theatre

    Hatupatu | Kurungaituku: A Forbidden Love

    An immersive production combining breathtaking aerials, kapa haka and dance-theatre. Based on the Te Arawa kōrero of Hatupatu and the bird woman.
  • 8 - 10 March 2024
    Theatre

    ZOOOM

    Unable to sleep, a child goes on an imaginary adventure to explore what dreams are made of. A beautifully crafted show from family theatre experts Patch Theatre.
  • 8 - 9 March 2024
    Theatre

    Open Stage: Not King Lear

    Shakespeare’s classic tale of family strife, devised and performed by members of the Hobson Street Theatre Company and told through the lived experience of those who know something about homelessness.