- November 9-10, 16-18, 2007
- By Caryl Churchill
- Director Darryl V. Jones
- (Studio Theatre)
Imagine colonial South Africa, but with men playing women and the women playing men in a funny, sexy, bawdy British burlesque style. Then, fast-forward 100 years to London – same actors, but in different roles. Society has taken a giant leap forward, or, has it? British playwright uses the absurd to illustrate how societal pressure dictates the roles we live. The thought-provoking piece is well suited to the Bay Area’s progressive mores, as well as an appropriate vehicle for illustrating the affects of time on society during this, the university’s 50th anniversary year. “The character archetypes in ‘Cloud 9,’ are prevalent and easily recognizable in our modern society,” says Jones. “Some people find themselves trapped in roles that they reluctantly and discontentedly play, others, encouraged by the relative open-mindedness of the present time, defy norms and societal demands.” Tom Hird, chair of theatre and dance, observes, “For me, the appeal of Cloud Nine is in the extreme exaggeration. The show is both funny and thought provoking because it really makes you consider how dehumanizing stereotyping can be when you want to laugh at very human frailties.
