U.B.U: A Cautionary Tale Of Catastrophe

Sassy smartypants is a modest way to describe U.B.U., billed as A Cautionary Tale Of Catastrophe with the tagline “Filth. Freaks. Farts.” The show delivers on all three promises. The opening act riffs on ways to swear in an authoritarian environment whilst avoiding trouble, a signature spark of the 1896 original that signaled the beginnings of absurdist theatre. Think of a swear word and add a few consonants. Production company Tooth And Sinew writer-director Richard Hilliar’s interpretation of this early absurdist play (Alfred Jarry’s comedy, written at when he was 15, is reputedly against a hellish teacher) about political machinations is hyper-everything. Hyper-colourful, hyper-active, hyper-clever and hyper on-message. It’s a refreshing work, including, surprisingly, the fart jokes.

The early scenes are mildly slapstick, in the Punch And Judy tradition. King Ubu is a burpy candidate to head Pooland, who farts his way to power and never realises his puppet state. Naturally, Ma Ubu is the equally ribald power behind the throne. The characters, from Fuller Bjullschitt, Ms. Information and Princess Munt (she of the Batted Lashes and Delicate Gesture) are delirious, in context and outrageous portrayal.  

The small Bordello Room at Kings Cross Hotel highlights the effects of sound design, lighting and the elaborate (and gorgeous) costumes, all of which reflect the humour of the show as well as the deeply reflected nature of the adaptation. 

U.B.U. is a wicked blend of cynicism and innocence, cunning and idiocy and unabashedly comments on the derring-do-nothing of all sides of politics. Although the ending is not nearly as clever as it could be, it’s a wildly inventive ride. Also, revenge against an idiot teacher has never felt so, so good. I hear you, Jarry!

Until Sep 21. Kings Cross Hotel, 244/248 William St, Potts Point. $25-$30+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.toothandsinew.com

By Olga Azar