A Dictator's Spell.

"He brainwashed the minds of millions

And sent them all to hell.

He mutilated and slaughtered

With a dictator's spell."

Following its first performance in 1896, Alfred Jarry’s brutal satire about greed and the abuse of power was outlawed for its scandalous language, violence and disrespect for authority.

Anarchic and petulant, King Ubu has seized control of Poland, Lithuania and everything in between, abetted by his equally monstrous wife but son an invading army soon threatens his petty dictatorship. With resonances of Macbeth and unflinching humour, Ubu Roi, an inspiration to later absurdist playwrights, remains a startling challenge to the comfortable and conventional.

This production uses the conventions of Punch & Judy to frame the action. The cruel yet comedic nature of the Mr. Punch's tradition has inspired not only design but elements of the action and plot.

As a company we have experimented with many theatrical conventions. Using Surrealism as a central style, we have borrowed from absurdism, expressionism, physical theatre and Brectian's epic style.

The rise and fall of the dictator has been a reoccurring event throughout history. Ubu Roi satirises this through the story of Ma and Pa Ubu.

Director:  Rich Tunley