BY EUGÈNE IONESCO

“Long live and hail director Jahjah, who has another triumph with this production.” The Buzz From Sydney

“Subtle but often brutally funny.” South Sydney Herald

“Excellent: wonderfully acted and staged, and hugely recommended.”                      Chuck Moore Reviews About

“Haunting and lyrical” Sydney Arts Guide

“Director Anna Jahjah wrings maximum mania from this talented cast, whose ensemble work was terrific.” Altmedia

“Director Anna Jahjah does good work with atmosphere and tone, allowing us access to poetic dimensions that appeal to parts of ourselves that are perhaps more visceral than logical.” Suzy Goes See

Théâtre Excentrique brings Ionesco’s iconic play back to Australia in an updated translation with baroque music from the 17^th century.

King Bérenger the First is dying. His kingdom is falling apart. He can’t rule over his army anymore, nor tell the rain to fall, nor the trees to grow. He is dying and there is nothing he can do about it. Queen Marguerite is keeping track of time. “You will die in 1 hour and 30 minutes!” But the king refuses to listen. He chooses instead to love Queen Marie. “1 hour and 13 minutes left!” The clock is ticking… Surrounded by his two wives, his cleaning lady, his doctor and a guard, Bérenger is learning to accept the inevitable.

This is Ionesco’s absurd style at its best: a meditation both burlesque and powerful on life, death and other incurable diseases.

Listen to an interview with director Anna Jahjah on SBS French

DURATION: 1h30

PERFORMANCE DATES: 7 – 16 March 2019

LOCATION: Chippen Street Theatre, Level 1 / 45 Chippen St, Chippendale, 2008

 

Photos: Mansoor Noor

CAST: Clay Crighton (Queen Marie), Kirsty Jordan (Queen Marguerite), Leof Kingsford-Smith (King Bérenger), Josef Schneider (The Guard), Gerry Sont (The Doctor) and Alison Windsor (The Maid)

TEAM

Producer: Théâtre Excentrique

Director: Anna Jahjah

Assistant Director: Kris Shalvey

Stage Manager: Pauline Evans             

Lighting Designer: Larry Kelly

Lighting Operator: Isabel Cendon Jordan

Set Designer: Anna Jahjah

Costume Design: Barbara Cohen & Théâtre Excentrique 

Graphic Design: Clarisse Ambroselli

Production Photographer: Mansoor Noor