The UMaine School of Performing Arts Division of Theatre and Dance presents Six Dead Queens and an Inflatable Henry, directed by Angela Bonacasa, live in the Cyrus Pavilion Theatre.
Originally devised by Foursight Theatre, Six Dead Queens weaves together history and comedy in a tale of three Catherines, two Annes and one Jane — the ill-fated wives of Henry VIII. Betrayed, beheaded, barren, bemused, broken and bored, this royal gaggle is trapped in eternity and forced to share one husband and one bed upon which they sing, dance and fight to assert themselves as the one true queen. The queens shine a comedic light on the dark reign of Henry VIII, forcing the limitations of their historical archetypes to the breaking point. As each accepts the challenge of being her true self, enemies are transformed into comrades, and the women behind the titles band together to raise a raucous royal coup against their fat, flaccid, inflatable spouse.
Performances April 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m.; and April 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $12 or free with a student MaineCard, available from https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/60476
This production is presented with generous support from the University of Maine cultural Affairs/Distinguished Lecture Series.
