The Far Side of the Moon (play)

The Far Side of the Moon is a play written and directed by Robert Lepage. This one-man show, originally performed in French as La Face cachée de la lune, explores themes of sibling rivalry, loneliness, the search for meaning, and the complex relationship between two brothers against the backdrop of the space race.

The play centres around Philippe, an unemployed philosopher who is obsessed with the Russian space program and the concept of the "dark side" of the moon, representing the hidden or unexplored aspects of the human psyche. He lives with and cares for his ailing mother while his successful, media-savvy younger brother, André, enjoys a more conventional and seemingly happier life.

Philippe’s feelings of inadequacy are exacerbated by André's apparent ease and charm. The play explores the contrasting personalities and life choices of the two brothers, their strained relationship, and their individual struggles with identity and purpose.

Through innovative staging techniques, including the use of mirrors, video projections, and intricate lighting, Lepage creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant performance. He embodies both Philippe and André, seamlessly transitioning between the two characters and creating a dynamic portrayal of their fraternal bond and the underlying tensions that define it. The themes of isolation and the human desire for connection are central to the narrative. The play is often interpreted as an exploration of the inner landscape of the human mind, using the metaphor of the moon to represent the hidden and often unexplored aspects of our selves.