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Academy Drama: What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton

Academy Drama: What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton

03 Apr (Tue) - 07 Apr (Sat)

03 Apr 2018 (Tue) - 07 Apr 2018 (Sat) | 19:45
07 Apr 2018 (Sat) | 14:45
Venue:
Academy Studio Theatre
Price Info:
$50 - $95
Language:
Drama in Cantonese
Academy Drama: What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton

Drama in Cantonese

This production contains foul language and adult elements, suitable for audience aged 12 or above

 

Joe Orton is looked upon as one of the most subversive British playwrights of the 1960s. The farcical What the Butler Saw, the final play he wrote before his murder, exposes various issues underlying British society, including sexual oppression, moral deviance and social ills. It shocked audiences at its premiere and received mixed reviews.

The play revolves around an unhappily married psychiatrist, Dr Prentice, who attempts to seduce his secretary, Geraldine. When his wife goes to his clinic, he tries to cover up his actions with lies. Another psychiatrist, Dr Rance, happens to be at the clinic at the same time. He takes his fellow's lies seriously, giving absurd diagnosis and opinions. Mrs Prentice meanwhile is blackmailed by hotel bellboy Nicholas who possesses pornographic photos of her. Amidst it all, police officer Sergeant Match bursts into the clinic to look for the missing part of a statue of Sir Winston Churchill. The six characters crammed in the clinic for different reasons are all end up caught in a crooked scheme hatched by Dr Rance. How will they escape this madness?

 

Playwright: Joe Orton 
Translators: May Fung, Bob Szeto, Raymond Lui* 
Director: Raymond Lui* 
Dramaturg: Chung Siu-hei
Set and Costume Designer: Jacob Wu
Lighting Designer: Bie Lai  
Sound Designer: Leung Chi-ying 
Cast*: Poon Tai-ming, Zhang Yan, Cheng Ho-lun, Li Ni-shan, So Cho-yan, Yuen Wang-chun

*School of Drama students