Apollinaire Theatre Continues Free Theater In The Park
With Cocteau, Ionesco, Anouilh

Apollinaire Theatre Company will present three short plays by Jean Cocteau, Eugene Ionesco and Jean Anouilh as it celebrates its seventh season offering New England's only bilingual free summer theater in the park.

Using a singular sense of comedy, symbolism, and satire, "The Wedding on the Eiffel Tower" serves up what Cocteau describes as “the miraculous poetry of daily life.” Also on the bill are the absurdist comedy "Jack, or the Submission" by Ionesco and Anouilh's "Humulus the Mute."

As in the past, the production will staged environmentally in multiple locations in Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant's Way, on the Chelsea Waterfront (Admiral's Hill). Performance dates are July 8 - 25 with English performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and Spanish performances on Fridays and Sundays.

The cast of 19 actors will perform multiple roles in the three plays and two languages; all appear in every performance, switching roles depending on the language of that night's show. The cast includes both seasoned performers who have been regulars with Apollinaire -- Margaret Ann Brady (Speakeasy Stage Co., Gold Dust Orphans, Theatre Offensive) and Vladimir Noel (performing for his 5th summer in the park) -- as well as several recent graduates of the acting programs at Emerson College and Boston University.

Jean Cocteau was a poet, novelist, dramatist, playwright and filmmaker, as well as a friend and collaborator of Guillaume Apollinaire (the company's namesake). Best know for his films "Beauty and the Beast" and "Orpheus," Cocteau received numerous awards and honors including election to the prestigious Academie Francaise.

Eugene Ionesco, an internationally renowned playwright and absurdist master, profoundly altered the face of modern drama with his work. He wrote more than 20 plays, including "The Bald Soprano," "The Chairs," and "Rhinoceros," and was elected a member of the Academie Francaise.

Jean Anouilh observed both the lighter and darker sides of life with a rueful wit. His characteristic heroes are essentially rebels. Among his best know works are "Antigone" and "Thieves' Carnival."

For information (or to check the status of performances in bad weather), call 617-887-2336.

Photo: Danielle Fauteux Jacques

-- OnStage Boston

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