2023-24 Drama Season: Love & Identity

The Bald Soprano

Written by Eugène Ionesco
Directed by Mihai Maniutiu

March 9-16, 2024

Robert Cohen Theatre

The Bald Soprano is written by Romanian-French avant-garde playwright Eugène Ionesco and directed by Mihai Maniutiu. Considered an absurdist "anti-play," The Bald Soprano introduces the Smiths, a traditional, middle-class English couple who have invited the Martins—a similar couple—over for a visit. The two couples exchange rote, elliptical, nonsensical dialogue and are occasionally joined by Mary, the Smiths' housemaid, and the Fire Chief—Mary's former lover. Director Maniutiu explores the relationship between humor and absurdist theatre in this exciting new production.

Approximate run time:
1 hour 15 minutes with no intermission

Please note this show contains:

• Flashing/strobe lights
• Sudden, loud sound effects including gunfire
• Depictions of characters shot with a gun

Generous support for this production is provided by the Robert and Lorna Cohen Endowment for Excellence in Drama, Theatre Guild, and Claire Trevor Society.

Performances
Evenings: March 9, 14, 15^, 16 at 8 p.m.
Matinees: March 10*, 16 at 2 p.m.
Evening: March 13 at 7:30 p.m.

* Please join us after the Sunday, March 10 matinee for a TalkBack with cast & crew.

^Join us for 2-for-1 alumni night on Friday, March 15, for the 8 p.m. showing.

ARTeater Alumni: Enjoy a pre-show reception in Studio 4, 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., with light refreshments. Alumni with tickets to the Friday show are invited and welcome to attend.

Only UCI alumni can enjoy 2-for-1 tickets for Friday night only. Normally priced $22 alumni tickets will be sold in multiples of two for $11 each yielding a $22 total per pair.

BUY ALUMNI 2-FOR-1 TICKETS HERE.

_{NO REFUNDS ON PREVIOUS PURCHASES | OFFER VALID WHILE TICKETS LAST & EXPIRES 48 HRS. BEFORE EVENT START TIME | RESERVE ONLINE ONLY: WWW.ARTS.UCI.EDU/PROMOS > CODE: ALUMNI-FRIDAYS | SUPPORT: ARTSTIX@UCI.EDU OR 949-824-2787}

Tickets
General Admission: $25
Senior Age 62+: $22
UCI Faculty, Alumni, Staff, Emeriti and Retirees: $22
Arts Packages (3+ events): $21
Groups 10+: $20
Students & Youth Age 17/Below: $10

• UCI Faculty, Alumni, Staff, Emeriti and Retirees may enjoy the FAStER Pass.

Discounted Advance Pre-Paid Parking Permits Reserve at least the day before the event.

Performance Program

Over the course of the 2023-24 academic year, UC Irvine is recognizing a Year of Free Speech and Academic Freedom. UCI and CTSA are honoring the year with a series of related programs and events. For more information please visit freespeech.uci.edu.

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