“Note this carefully, and remember it ‘till the day you die…”
When an enthusiastic young student arrives at The Professor’s house for her lesson, she is wide-eyed and ready to learn. But no amount of studying can prepare her for the odyssey that lies ahead. This unflinching and dreamlike comedy-drama bursts on to The Hope Theatre stage this autumn under the direction of its award-winning Artistic Director, Matthew Parker
More than 50 years since its UK premiere , Eugene Ionesco’s dark comic-drama still packs one hell of a punch. The French playwright’s radical views on education, life and death are laced through this funny, disturbing and gripping look at the tyrannical nature of power, the dangers of enforced education and how words can be used as weapons. With broad comedy jutting up against scenes of horror, THE LESSON is a theatrical experience you will never forget.
Nominated for a whopping 4 OFFIE Awards including Best Director for Matthew Parker.
Cast
- The Maid: Joan Potter
- The Pupil: Sheetal Kapoor
- The Professor: Roger Alborough
Creatives
- Writer: Eugene Ionesco (translation Donald Watson)
- Producers: Benjamin Alborough & Cas Hodges for The Hope Theatre
- Director: Matthew Parker
- Designer: Rachael Ryan
- Stage Manager: Ariel Harrison
- Lighting: Chris McDonnell
- Sound: Simon Arrowsmith
- Movement: Roman Berry
- Assistant Director: Lizzie Benbow
- Production Assistant: Kitty Evans
- Photography: lhphotoshots
The Hope Theatre's artistic director, Matthew Parker, directs a first-class and well-cast revival of this theatrical masterpiece, treading with meticulous poise and confidence the fine line required to juxtapose the absurd, the horrific and the comic elements this unsettling piece contains. Highly recommended
Matthew Parker’s direction exemplifies his deep passion for Ionesco’s writing and the control and motivation that he elicits from the performances are superb.
This production is expertly directed by The Hope’s artistic director, Matthew Parker, who clearly delights in the curious language of the play
To have half the audience on the edge of their seat, holding their breath and have the other half roaring with laughter is testament to the writer and the entire team on this production.
I’ve never seen a funnier play about indoctrination, miss-communication and fascism but that’s damning The Lesson with faint praise. It’s a furiously-complex piece that operates on many levels all at the same time - all of them in your face.
A watertight new production by director Matthew Parker.
Donald Watson’s translation is further heightened under Matthew Parker’s slick direction... Comedy and violence, absurdity and disturbance, mystery and fear all go hand in hand; so the audience’s reactions are varied. While some are laughing, others are recoiling in horror.
Director Matthew Parker demonstrates a masterful understanding of Ionesco’s work in this fresh, lively production.
In an era where we are numbed by tepid clichés and slogans this was a breath of icy, harsh air. Highly recommended.
Matthew Parker's revival of The Lesson lifts Eugene Ionesco's text off the page with grace
Parker's obvious affection for the playwright has really translated The Lesson into a thoughtfully staged, accessible and highly accomplished production.
Matthew Parker’s production is a fine one. Using the theatre’s rather claustrophobic feel to expert effect, it cranks up the pressure expertly.
