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| http://scrumpyproductions.com/ |
Pick of the Fringe 2011 performer Julian Cervello (Canterbury Cocktails) premieres his newest Middle English production of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – The Wyf of Bathe as part of Intrepid Theatre’s You Show on Saturday March 10, 8pm. This ridiculous, visceral, six-hundred-year-old comedy is a 14th Century Vagina Monologues.
The Wyf of Bathe will continue onto the 2012 Victoria Fringe Festival. This You Show will be its first time in front of an audience and will be followed by a Q&A discussion toward the play’s further development.
The structure of Chaucer’s six hundred year old drag act has evolved into a template for modern one-woman plays. Though performed in Middle English, the subject matter is timeless and the language barrier minimized by familiar and explicit content. Anyone intimidated by the lofty poetry should shift their apprehension to the content, which is definitely not appropriate for children.
The Wyf of Bathe is on pilgrimage to Canterbury, seeking a sixth husband. In doing so, she re-lives her previous five marriages. Full of lies, embellishments, and deep confessions, Alisoun’s autobiography is bizarre and surprisingly moving. She is the original desperate housewife.
Then she tells her Tale: a delicate Arthurian legend in which she casts herself as an Elf Queen.
This voyage into her imagination answers many questions.
Chaucer was the first to play The Wyf of Bathe and Chaucer is the real storyteller. Although usually busy playing the role of Alisoun with total conviction, he occasionally plays other people too. But Alisoun also acts out other characters, both real and imaginary. This process of playing characters within other character’s imaginations feels like playing a babushka doll.
The Wyf of Bathe: March 10, 8pm
Intrepid Theatre Club (Fisgard at Blanshard).
Tickets available at the door, cash only: $15 regular,
$10 students & seniors. No latecomers admitted.
To reserve, email: scrumproductions@gmail.com.
More info: http://www.scrumpyproductions.com/
