Two one-act plays
"The Bald Prima Donna" by Eugene Ionesco and
"Autograph Hound" by James Prideaux
"The Bald Prima
Donna"
This is a classic play of the absurd. The Smiths are a
traditional couple from London, who have invited another couple, the
Martins, over for a visit. They are joined later by the Smiths' maid,
Mary, and the local fire chief, who is also a friend and possibly
former lover of Mary's. The two families engage in meaningless banter,
telling stories and relating nonsensical poems. Mrs. Martin at one
point converses with her husband as if he were a stranger she just met.
As the fire chief turns to leave, he mentions "the bald prima donna" in
passing, which has a very unsettling effect on the others. Mrs Smith
replies that "she always wears her hair in the same style."
Like many plays in the theatre of the absurd genre, the underlying
theme of "The Bald Prima Donna" is not immediately apparent. Many suggest
that it expresses the futility of meaningful communication in modern
society. The script is charged with non sequiturs that give the
impression that the characters are not even listening to each other in
their frantic efforts to make their own voices heard. The
play is directed by Tom Byrne.
The Full cast:-
"The Autograph
Hound"
Lila, the wife in this three-character play is a full-blown eccentric
who stands for hours outside every possible celebrity gathering place
to get autographs. Lila lives with her husband Harry and daughter
Cissie. Her obsession with collecting autographs has taken
over her life to such an extent that her family and home life takes a
poor second place. Cissie is totally dominated by Lila and
Harry is ignored. Something must change but what will that
change look like. The play is funny in a comfortable way. It bases its
humor on human and domestic
foibles. The playwright's views seem to be that some faults are
completely ridiculous and in no way admitting of praise and yet,
reassuringly, they spring from an unquenchable human spirit to be
celebrated rather than censured. The director is Joe Bergin
who also plays the part of Harry.
The Full cast:-
