Satire this Weekend at Fisher Theater

May 20, 2009

Rehearsal of this weekend's show by Senior Acting Ensemble

The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux, performed and presented by the Senior Acting Ensemble, goes up this Friday in Fisher Theater. Written in 1943 and first performed after Giraudoux's death in 1945, the satire is seen as a criticism of French collaborators who sought profit from the Nazi occupation of World War II.

Cary Wendell, designer/technical director of Fisher Theater, summarizes the play's action:

"Some greedy, corporate execs and financiers plot to make themselves even more filthy rich by drilling for oil in the heart of Paris. Their plot is foiled by a group of eccentric women – each a Madwoman from a different arrondissement  of Paris. With the help of some other outsiders – artists, flower sellers and vagabonds – they lure the greedy, corporate people, their minions, and the compliant media down to where they think they'll find the oil – only to be sent to hell. . . . It's a fun fantasy."

Rob Richards, theater and dance instructor, directs the production. "What's interesting to contemplate is finding insight and optimism in insanity," he explains. "Here is a group – in a sense, a family – of social outcasts who prove to possess tremendous love and authority for others, and the world. What's magical, ironic, funny and remarkable is that this group of vagabonds have superhero powers as a result of their 'wackidom!' Their genius and/or insanity gives them great humanitarian strength and wisdom. Representatives of the established order enter their world with the intention to consume and destroy what looks like easy prey. At first glance, Paris appears to be good feeding ground. But somehow lyricism overcomes the organized strategy. Greed has nowhere to go but downhill. It's an inspiring play of courage and good will – a joyful, psychological circus – and the seniors this year have been particularly adept at stepping into their roles with abandon. It has been a fabulous ride!"    

Come join the fun in Fisher Theater. Play times:

Friday 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m.

Call ahead to reserve tickets: 603-777-3504.

Interested in learning more?

Read about Exeter's Theater and Dance department…

 See a photo album of the production…

 Got a story idea? Tell the Lion!