Emilie

Natacha Roi and Don Reilly take on the historical roles of Emilie Du Châtelet and Voltaire in the world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s Emilie – La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life at the Petit Théâtre at Cirey Tonight at South Coast Repertory. David Emmes directs.

Passionate. Independent. A great beauty. A prodigious scientific intellect. These are the qualities that inspired this true story of 18th century Parisian noblewoman Emilie du Châtelet and her lifelong affair with the Enlightenment superstar Voltaire. In this highly theatrical rediscovery of one of history’s most intriguing women, Emilie must defend her life by tallying her achievements in love and philosophy — and search for a formula that will convince the world of her worth.