Ubu Roi (King Ubu)

Ubu Roi, written in 1896 by the French playwright Alfred Jarry, uses humour and farce to present Jarry’s views on art, literature, politics, the ruling classes, and current events. It is the story of a power-driven man, Père Ubu, who is the Polish King’s Knight of the Orders and Count of Sandomir. Père Ubu, with the help of his wife Mère Ubu and Captain Bordure, plot to kill the King and take control of the throne. The group is successful in murdering the King and driving the King’s son Bourgelas into hiding, where Bourgelas begins to plot his revenge and build an army to overthrow Père Ubu.

Ticket prices are $12 for general audience, $5 for students and seniors. Available in advance from The University of Western Ontario’s French Department secretariat (University College 138, telephone 519-661-2163), or at the door.