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Robert Lepage’s controversial ‘Kanata’ play to go ahead in Paris this December

Quebec director Robert Lepage is once again being criticized for a lack of representation in one of his stage shows. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

A controversial play about the relationship between whites and Aboriginal Peoples will finally be presented after previously being cancelled following criticism of content judged culturally insensitive.

The Paris-based Theatre du Soleil says in a statement it will put on Quebec playwright Robert Lepage’s Kanata this December.

READ MORE: PQ Leader Jean-François Lisée claims cancelling controversial plays ‘Kanata’ and ‘SLAV’ was wrong

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The theatre says it has Lepage’s support to perform the show, which will be called “Kanata — Episode 1 — The Controversy.”

Lepage and his Ex Machina production company said in a statement in July that Kanata would not be presented in Paris in December after American co-producers withdrew their interest in the project.

READ MORE: No promises to change Kanata after Robert Lepage meets with show’s opponents

His announcement came one week after he held a meeting with about 30 members of the Indigenous community who had signed an open letter denouncing the production for being an example of cultural appropriation.

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They were upset the play contained no Indigenous actors and little input from their community. It is unclear whether the new production will feature any Aborginal performers.

READ MORE: Indigenous artists criticize SLAV director Lepage for new show ‘Kanata’

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