Papa Ubu

Theatre Incarnate—Théâtre Cercle Molière

Unless you’re ancient like me, you probably never saw the Clint Eastwood classic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but you hear the reference all the time, and it’s appropriate here.

First, the good: they went through their roles with practiced precision, despite it being opening day. The polish shows they’re very good actors.

Now for the bad: I missed my chance. This is a licensed venue and I should have brought a drink in, perhaps a double. Maybe some dope—that might have helped me get more (or something) out of this show.

Finally, the ugly: What did I just watch? No, please, someone tell me—what did I just watch? There were some Olde English, Shakespearean kinds of motifs, some absurdity, some surrealism, some intentional overacting, and some I-don’t-know-what. All assembled, what was it? Why was the goldfish’s part so crucial that it was included in the write-up? I really don’t get it and I don’t think I’m the only one in the audience leaving with a blank expression and swirls for eyeballs.

Ray Yuen