Enter the king

The tale of a dying belligerent king who forces others to obey him will be staged by Theatrencore next month.

Ionesco’s Exit the King tells the story of King Berenger I who commands nature and forces others to obey his will. He is informed that he is dying, and the kingdom is likewise crumbling around him.

Berenger’s first wife, Marguerite, along with the doctor, tries to make Berenger face the reality of his death. Berenger’s second wife, Marie, sympathetically attempts to keep Berenger from the pain of knowing his death is close by.

The New York Times has described this play as being “Ionesco’s incomparably greatest work”. Although Ionesco was born in Romania, he became a French citizen and wrote his works in French, making him one of the most important dramatists of 20th century French literature.

Exit the King starts off as a fast-paced comedy with strong elements of the burlesque.

The play, translated by Donald Watson, is directed by Tyrone Grima.

The cast includes Malcolm Galea, in the title role of the King, together with Monica Attard, Stephanie Bugeja, Chris Galea, Nadine Genovese and Mik Pisani.

Tickets may be bought from St James Cavalier, Valletta (Tel: 2122 3216, www.sjcav.org) where the play will be performed on November 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m.