From Fringe 2024

Papa Ubu

Theatre Incarnate—Théâtre Cercle Molière

Take one part absurdism, one part clown, and one part satire, sprinkle in a healthy dose of Shakespeare quotes and references, and you get Papa Ubu! An entertaining (and often nonsensical) take on the “Tyrant King” archetype, it’s the physicality of the performers, and the script’s determination to throw you off every time you think you have it “figured out” that truly make this piece shine. This one was my highlight of my first day of fringing.

Jordan Phillips

From Fringe 2024

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