Devised by its cast under the direction of NVCC’s Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Stacey Sacks, UBU TOXiCA is a multi-media collaborative romp, devised around scenes and themes raised by Alfred Jarry’s Ubu Roi (1896). The play, a parody of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, tells the archetypal story of a fall from grace by a political leader corrupted by power. When it first opened in Paris, Ubu Roi immediately outraged audiences with its scatological references and surrealist style and closed the same night it opened. Many years later, Dadaists and Surrealists championed the play, recognizing Ubu Roi as the first absurdist drama.   

“Our version has emerged from a laboratory of play where generative failure has been actively encouraged,” explains Dr. Sacks. “As teacher and creative director, I have been offering games and embodied lessons about improvisation, character, movement, storytelling, and creativity. Drawing from contemporary experiences, we have been playing with what we have, inspired by Jarry’s own concept of pataphysics, a science of imaginary solutions.”   

Sasha Bratt, Assistant Professor of Theater, adds, “We are honored to have Dr. Sacks with us this year and delighted to be able to share this experience with you. I hope to see you there!”