CSB and SJU Theater Department opens fall production of Ubu

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University theater department's fall production of "Ubu" premieres at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Colman Black Box Theater in the Benedicta Arts Center on the CSB campus.

There are six performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25. A special matinee performance is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.

"Ubu" is the modern interpretation of Alfred Jarry's absurdist classic "Ubu Roi," translated by Barbra Wright.  Jarry wrote "Ubu Roi" in the 1880s when he was 14 years old living in France.

The play is a manifestation of Jarry's childhood imagination and humor which tells the story of a terrible teacher who Jarry particularly despised. Main character Pa Ubu, played by SJU first-year student George Dornbach, and his band of misfits attempt to dominate and destroy all to become king.  "Ubu Roi" translates to King Ubu or King Turd. Pa Ubu's wife Ma Ubu is played by CSB senior Laura Ricci. SJU junior Nico Marasco plays Captain Bordure, who is Pa Ubu's right hand man in his quest for the thrown. SJU first-year student Kevin Munshower plays Captain Bougrelas. Bougrelas is Venceslas' son who is out to seek revenge.

Visiting Director Jon Ferguson and his cast of eight students pull inspiration from William Shakespeare's "MacBeth" and other historical events to make the production their own. They have created their own interpretations of characters and added their own personal sense of play, invention and humor to create a vibrant new version of the play.  

Ferguson is from Durham, England. He attended Middlesex University, London, and has worked with some of the leading theater companies in the United Kingdom and the U.S. including Hoipolloi, The Guthrie Theater, The John Wright Company and more.

Ferguson has taught physical theater, clowning and collaborative play creation at The Theatre Royal Bath, The Bristol Old Vic, Stages Theatre Company, St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts, The Guthrie Theater and The University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program.

Tickets are $7 for CSB and SJU students with an ID and $10 for everyone else. For more information, contact the BAC box office at 320-363-5777.