Ubu Roi or King Ubu as it translates from French, is a play renowned for its unruliness and obscenity. It was first published in 1896 by the then 23-year-old Alfred Jarry and shocked riotous, Parisian audiences for the way it overturned cultural norms and conventions.
As Splendid Productions present a brand-new adaptation of the surrealist classic at The Whitty Theatre, on Thursday 3rd March, Year 10 to Upper Sixth had the opportunity to experience Ubu for themselves and draw their own conclusions on the themes of absurdism, power and ambition.
The grotesque farce is seen as a precursor to Dadaism, Surrealism and Absurdist Drama, and to have opened the door for modernism in the 20th century. The eponymous character, Père Ubu, who was originally inspired by a teacher of Jarry’s, quickly became a satire of the French middle class. As a gluttonous and cruel individual, Ubu is willing to sacrifice anybody to accomplish his ends and ascend the throne. Nonetheless, he ultimately proves himself a coward when he is forced to do battle with the King of Poland’s surviving son.
Jack Robinson, Resident Theatre Graduate, who accompanied the group, enthused “An explosive performance from start to finish. A fantastic display of clowning, fourth wall shattering and dynamic physicality. A shining example to the students that they can utilise their whole body as an instrument to tell a gripping and entertaining story. An experience that won’t quickly be forgotten.”
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