Exit the King, The Killer, and Macbett


Book Description

Presents three plays by twentieth-century dramatist Eugene Ionesco, including "Exit the King," which traces the final hours of the once-great King Berenger the First; "The Killer," a study of pure evil; and "Macbett," a spoof of the Shakespearean tragedy.




Exit the King


Book Description

First produced in 1963 starring Alec Guinness and successfully revived to great acclaim on Broadway in 2009, this absurdist exploration of ego and mortality is set in the crumbling throne-room of the palace in an unnamed country where King Berenger the First has only the duration of the play to live.-3 women, 3 men




Exit the King, The Killer, Macbett


Book Description

Three classic plays exploring the absurdity of death and modern complacency by the 20th century master of French avant-garde theatre. Exit the King presents a ritualized death rite unfolding the final hours of the once-great king Berenger the First. As he dies, so does his kingdom. His armies suffer defeat, the young emigrate, and his kingdom’s borders shrink to the outline of his throne. The Killer is a study of pure evil. B’renger, a conscientious citizen, finds himself in a radiantly beautiful city marred only by the presence of a serial killer. B’renger’s determination to find the murderer in the face of official indifference and his final defeat at the hands of impersonal cruelty speak with the power of Kafka’s The Trial. Macbett, inspired by Shakespeare’s MacBeth, is “a grotesque joke . . . [and] a very funny play. . . . Ionecso maliciously undermines sources and traditions, spoofing Shakespeare along with tragedy” (Mel Gussow, The New York Times).




Exit the King


Book Description




Exit the King


Book Description




Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco (Book Analysis)


Book Description

Unlock the more straightforward side of Exit the King with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco, an absurdist drama which follows the king of the title as he struggles to come to terms with his impending death. The apparently absurd play, whose title gives away its ending, contains plenty of strange and humorous situations, but also gives the author the opportunity to reflect seriously on important themes such as death, destiny and human relationships. Ionesco was a Romanian-born French playwright and one of the leading figures of the movement known as the Theatre of the Absurd. He wrote many plays, including The Bald Soprano and Rhinoceros, and his work is still performed around the world today. Find out everything you need to know about Exit the King in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: • A complete plot summary • Character studies • Key themes and symbols • Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!




Exit the King


Book Description




BERENGER PLAYS


Book Description




Exit the King


Book Description

APA-Phoenix, apa Repertory Company, "Exit the King," by Eugene Ionesco, translated by Donald Watson, directed by Ellis Rabb, scenery by Rouben Ter-Arutunian, costumes by Nancy Potts, lighting by James Tilton, music by Conrad Susa, stage manager, R. Derek Swire, Harley Hackett.




Exit the Actress


Book Description

From the critically acclaimed author of Vanessa and Her Sister, the debut novel hailed by New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory as “a vivid imagining of the restoration London of Charles II with Nell Gwynn as a powerful and engaging heroine.” While selling oranges in the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, sweet and sprightly Ellen "Nell" Gwyn impresses the theater’s proprietors with a wit and sparkle that belie her youth and poverty. She quickly earns a place in the company, narrowly avoiding the life of prostitution to which her sister has already succumbed. As her roles evolve from supporting to starring, the scope of her life broadens as well. Soon Ellen is dressed in the finest fashions, charming the theatrical, literary, and royal luminaries of Restoration England. Ellen grows up on the stage, experiencing first love and heartbreak and eventually becoming the mistress of Charles II. Despite his reputation as a libertine, Ellen wholly captures his heart—and he hers—but even the most powerful love isn’t enough to stave off the gossip and bitter court politics that accompany a royal romance. Telling the story through a collection of vibrant seventeenth-century voices ranging from Ellen’s diary to playbills, letters, gossip columns, and home remedies, Priya Parmar brings to life the story of an endearing and delightful heroine.