COMEDY, SATIRE, IRONY & DEEPER MEANING
by Christian Grabbe
Studio 58
Langara College
100 W. 49th Avenue
October 5-22
$11.00-$20.50
604.231.7535 or
www.ticketstonight.ca

“Devilish fun with a cloven hoof ... intelligent and sensual.” – Die Welt

Studio 58, the nationally renowned professional theatre training program at Langara College, proudly presents the Canadian premiere of COMEDY, SATIRE, IRONY & DEEPER MEANING, written by Christian Dietrich Grabbe and adapted and directed by Julek Neumann, on stage from October 5 to 22.

Czech-born Julek Neumann makes his North American directorial debut with Grabbe’s COMEDY, SATIRE, IRONY and DEEPER MEANING. This hilarious, ribald and ironic play about three men seeking the hand of a beautiful young woman is also full of scathing barbs at literature, science, religion, education and the world itself. The Devil gets in on the act, too!  Written in 1822, when Grabbe was only 21, COMEDY, SATIRE, IRONY and DEEPER MEANING is now a perennial favourite of the German repertory. The play combines grotesque puppetry, black humour and slapstick comedy. Vancouver audiences are in for a rare treat!

Christian Dietrich Grabbe (1801–1836) was a revolutionary dramatist who incorporated into his work realism, existentialism and cinematic techniques reminiscent of modern drama. Grabbe had complete disdain for everything bourgeois society held dear and his work is permeated with jest, scornful parody and caricature. Known as “the drunken Shakespeare,” he lived a life of drunkenness and debauchery and died of tuberculosis at age 35. A surge of interest in his work began in the later part of the 20th century and it is now produced throughout Europe.

Julek Neumann began his theatrical career as an actor in Prague and started to direct in 1979. His work takes him to London, Antwerp, Vienna and the Czech Republic where he focuses on new writing, the classics—from Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Marivaux and Chekhov to Tadeusz Rózewicz and Tankred Dorst—and on his own plays and adaptations. He was a journalist with the BBC World service and is currently working with the literary department of the Prague National Theatre. He translates plays, runs workshops, and teaches and directs at drama schools.

COMEDY, SATIRE, IRONY and DEEPER MEANING
Adapted & Directed by Julek Neumann
OCTOBER 5–22, 2006
Previews October 5, 6; Opens October 7
At Studio 58 Langara College, 100 West 49th Avenue

Scenography by David Roberts
Costumes by Marina Szijarto
Lights by John Webber
Sound Design & Composition by Patrick Pennefather

Shows 8pm Tuesday to Saturday
Matinees 3pm Saturday & Sunday, except October 7
Single tickets $20.50/16.50/15.50; previews and matinees $11; group rate for 10 or more, $13.
Tickets Tonight (www.ticketstonight.ca) or 604.231.7535.