AN anarchic, satirical and riotous take on the story of Macbeth is promised by the Stephen Joseph Youth Theatre for next month.
Ubu Rex, written by Alfred Jarry in 1896, is the first of three Ubu plays that ushered in the age of absurdist theatre.
Originally called Ubu Roi, it was first performed in Paris, where the strong language caused a riot; theatre would never be the
same again.
Two characters, Pa and Ma Ubu, take the audience on a murderous, rude and funny adventure through their native Poland, where execution is as common as passing wind.
Director Cheryl Govan exclaims: "Ubu Rex, what a challenge! The 15-strong cast have not only to master over 30 named characters but also to play the entire Russian army, the entire Polish army and a multitude of nobles, peasants and other characters.
"It is a romp through a rather confused version of history," Cheryl says. "It is funny, rude and anarchic, with an interesting angle as the whole play is set on a rubbish tip with the scavengers as story tellers. There is war, cheerleading and live music provided by local musicians. It is a homage to traditional theatre styles with a modern twist and we hope the audience will enjoy the final product as much as we have enjoyed making it."
Ubu Rex can be seen at the SJT at 7pm on February 17 and 2pm and 7pm on February 18.
