VIU Theatre dept. presents The Balcony

The


Vancouver Island University Theatre Department presents Jean Genet's The Balcony directed by Leon Potter Nov. 5 – 14.

This play


tells a controversial and classic tale of revolution from the perspective of a


"seemingly-neutral" brothel. The story opens with a welcome into the


daily events of a brothel. The audience meets the regulars that frequent the


establishment in the midst of the revolution. As the tide of the fighting turns


to the revolutionaries, Irma, the Madam of the brothel, is requested to aid the


Queen in a counter-revolutionary plot to deceive the populace into submission.

This play was chosen in part as a


challenge for the students to “step beyond” the confines of traditional stage


performances and experience working in a “theatre in the round” - with audience


members on each side. With this arena-style seating, the actors will perform to


an audience seated on all sides.

The Balcony was originally


produced in 1957 at the Arts Theatre Club of London in spite of a ban imposed


by the Lord Chamberlain for the script’s presentation of sexuality, religion


and society. Over the lifetime of The Balcony, it has continually raised


eyebrows with its depiction of authoritarian control through the complicated


blending of reality and fantasy.

The


production runs about 2 hours in length, including a 15 minute intermission. The Balcony features topics that are


considered mature subject matter and is not suitable for all ages.

The Balcony opens Thursday


November 5 and runs until Saturday November 14. Shows are at 8 pm on Nov. 5, 6,


7, 12, 13, 14 and at 4pm on Nov. 10. Tickets are $10 (Students or Seniors) or $12 each.

For more


information, please contact the Theatre Box Office at 740-6100.