The play

Following its first performance in 1896, Alfred Jarry’s brutal satire about greed and the abuse of power was outlawed for its scandalous language, violence and disrespect for authority.

Anarchic and petulant, King Ubu has seized control of Poland, Lithuania and everything in between, abetted by his equally monstrous wife. But an invading army soon threatens his petty dictatorship. With resonances of Macbeth and unflinching humour, Ubu Roi, an inspiration to later absurdist playwrights, remains a startling challenge to the comfortable and conventional.

Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod, directors of Barbican Artistic Associate Cheek by Jowl, are reunited once again with their 'crack ensemble' (Guardian) of French actors, last seen in Andromaque in 2009.

Age guidance 16+ (contains adult themes). Performed in French with English surtitles.

The cast

Director Declan Donnellan

Designer Nick Ormerod