Exit The King
Image: Photo: Robert Catto
As we are living in absurd times, it seems fitting that Red Line Productions, operating out of the Old Fitz Theatre, has chosen Exit The King to open its 2021 season. Written by Eugene Ionesco, one of the grandees of the Theatre Of The Absurd and concerned with the absurdities of life, the show was first staged in the 1960s. In it, we meet King Berrenger, an aging monarch who refuses to see that his hold on his ancient empire has perhaps lost its va-voom.
Director Megan Wilding has taken a direct and topical approach to this staging and in choosing the play, noting that the play’s changing and challenging relationships with previously unquestioned standards reflect not only historical discussions, but recent events.
“I’m really interested in the shift, especially in the past few weeks, of calling up our own institutional system of racism. That’s what really appealed to me, the shift of changing.”
After the long COVID shutdown, Wilding is clearly relieved and happy to return to her work.
“It’s been lovely to be back with actors and creatives… there’s a really good vibe in the room. From day one there was such excitement, it’s such a great play with such great ideas and everybody just jumped on board.”
Wilding has another hope for her interpretation of the show, “What I’d love is for people to come, see and feel that it’s time to bring change to these institutions, and say goodbye to the monarchy.”
Mar 18-Apr 10. Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo. $38-$45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au
