Network Theatre Company presents

The Bald Prima Donna & Jacques

by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Paul Hoskins & Nigel Williams

Beyond ridiculing the most banal situations, Ionesco's plays depict the solitude and insignificance of human existence in a tangible way.

The Bald Prima Donna

The Smiths are a traditional couple from London who have invited another couple, the Martins, over for a visit. They are joined later by the Smiths' maid, Mary, and the local fire chief, who is also Mary's lover. The two families engage in meaningless banter, telling stories and relating nonsensical poems. At one point, Mrs. Martin converses with her husband as if he were a stranger she just met.

CAST: 3M 3F
Mr Smith, Mrs Smith, Mr Martin, Mrs Martin, The Captain of the Fire Brigade, The Maid.

Jacques

The thrust of the narrative involves Jacques’ arranged marriage to Roberta and, when the first Roberta is not satisfactory, Roberta II. The play contains nonsensical exchanges and strings of clichés, similar to The Bald Prim Donna, and the sort of surreal conceits common in many of Ionesco's later plays.

CAST: 4M 5F
Jacques, Jacqueline, Jacques’ father, Jacques’ mother, Grandfather, Grandmother, Roberta, Roberta’s father, Roberta’s mother.

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