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Rhinoceros,
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a recklessly grand and surreal parable
is let loose in the intimate Walnut Street Studio Theater. Considered by many to be one of the greatest plays written in the last century, Rhinoceros uniquely studies the contemporary tension between individuality and adaptation, reason and nature. Enter Berenger (played by Barrymore winner and current nominee Frank X), an alcoholic, sexually frusrated bachelor trying to turn his life around with the help of his close friend Jean (played by Ben Lloyd, also a current Barrymore nominee). As the two share Sunday brunch at a local oudoor cafe, a rhinoceros runs through the town square. Inconceivably, the townspeople begin to turn into rhinoceri. Instinctive terror turns into justification: "What could be more natural than a rhinoceros?". And the epidemic begins...
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A widely known but seldom produced work,
the French play was first translated into English in 1960 by Derek Prouse. But to today's ear this translation sounds particularly British and dated. Through special and rare permission with the Ionesco estate, Philadelphia's Allen Kuharski and George Moskos have fashioned an unprecedented American translation that strongly resonates with contemporary overtones yet reverently maintains Ionesco's masterful vision.
Rhinoceros marks the professional directing debut of David Disbrow,
who has performed as an actor in most of Philadelphia's professional theaters including the Arden, the Wilma and the Walnut Street theater as well as in New York and the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland. David's performance in 'The Pitchfork Disney' earned him a Barrymore nomination for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Play. The Philadelphia Weekly named him "Artist to Watch" in 1998. Last year he collaborated as a writer/actor with members of Theatre Exile to create the Philadelphia Fringe Festival hit 'Live at the Apollo Diner'. He recently has been collaborating with Bessie Award winners Headlong Dance Theater. As a musician/songwriter he has released a CD, 'popular mechanics', on Spy Recordings (disbrow.8m.com) and is currently finishing a follow-up. David has been teaching acting at the Wilma Theater since 1996.
performances Wed - Sat, 8 p.m. Sun, 2p.m.
November 1 - 19, 2000
Walnut Street Theater Studio 3
for reservations call 215.922.4462 - e-mail questions to:
theatre_exile@rhinoceros.8k.com
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