OSHS Drama Club will present "The Madwoman of Chaillot" November 13, 2008

CONTACT: 860-395- 3175

OSHS Drama Club will present The Madwoman of Chaillot at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15. This early absurdist French play by Jean Giraudoux is a whimsical comedy where a community of zany street people come head to head with a cadre of corrupt financiers in the streets of Paris. The vagrants are led by the eccentric Madwoman, Aurelie, whose “madness” translates to compassion, grace, and a love for life. Her mission is to rid the world of cruelty and to restore beauty to her community.



The Madwoman, Countess Aurelie, played by senior Lauren Martin, has her idealized world shattered by a group of ruthless and corrupt businessmen who have contrived a nefarious plot to drill for oil beneath the streets of Paris. They will stop at nothing to satisfy their greed, even if it means destroying the environment and human life. Assisted by her friends, Countess Aurelie must act quickly to stop them and engages the quick-thinking Ragpicker, played by senior Gerard Ramm, to execute her plan. The audience can personally connect with two characters: Pierre played by senior Jordan King, and Irma played by sophomore Nicki Palmer. The two begin as victims, but fall in love and find hope for their future together. As an audience, we, too, leave hopeful that we can be catalysts for change.



Originally written in 1944 the Drama Club premieres a new translation of the play by Tufts professor Laurence Senelick. French classes have contributed to the background research. This updated version includes references to the current political and economic turmoil in America and around the world, and celebrates the efforts of the underdogs as they right the wrongs of society.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the school at 395-3175 or at the door. General admission seating is $5.00.