Play a theatrical treat

Press, 28 January 1988, Page 24

Play a theatrical treat

Bolek Poiivka, the innovative and charismatic master of the theatre from Czechoslovakia, will be one of the theatrical highlights of the festival. Poiivka will join his wife in real life, the Swiss actress Chantal Pollain, in performing “The Jester and the Queen.” In this entertaining play, Poiivka draws on every known trick of the theatrical trade, plus a few more — improvisation, Brecht’s alienation technique,

clowning, Grotowski’s poor theatre, and some touches all of his own. Poiivka plays the fool, subject to the whims of Pollain as his imperious and temperamental queen. It is a play about the theatre, and about the use and abuse of power. Poiivka, who originally trained as a classical actor, is the co-founder of the “Theatre on a String,” which is widely regarded as the most vital avantgarde ensemble in Czechoslovakia today.

He was quickly drawn to alternative theatre, and is now well-known in Europe and America as an actor, producer, mime artist, clown and writer. His own father was a clown, who used to give street performances in the Moravian village where Poiivka was born. In his native country, Poiivka has something of a cult following, and has appeared in several feature films. He recently starred in “Calamity,” directed by Vera Chyti-

lova, and “The Last Hunt,” directed by Vla'dimir Sis, for which he wrote his own script.

Yet Poiivka is also a truly international performer in the best sense of the word, and his festival performances are expected to have wide appeal. “The Jester and the Queen” will be performed in the Concert Chamber at 7.30 p.m. on March 19, 20, 23, 24, 25 and 26, and at 2 p.m. on March 23 and 26.