Absurdist theatre at the Zenith this month

For the last 35 years, Epicentre Theatre Company has been producing theatre on the Lower North Shore and this week, this founding member of the Zenith Theatre Chatswood brings its latest production to the stage.

Dario Fo’s absurdist masterpiece Accidental Death of an Anarchist will play at the Zenith with a bright young cast from Friday June 22 until Saturday June 30.

Directed by brothers Constantine and Michael Costi, designed by Alice Joel and Andrew Weston this dark and funny piece is an exploration of the dangers of corruption. Despite being set in post-war Italy, director (and star) Constantine Costi believes the piece is still relevant to audiences today.

“While set in the midst of post-war Italian fascism and institutional corruption, Dario Fo’s play is timeless” he said.

“It’s an unflinching reminder of the perils of jingoism, corruption and explores what happens when people stop thinking for themselves, and blindly follow the state. Anarchist is a fun, raucous and fast-paced comedy, and a harrowing reminder of the universal threat of political repression.”

An anarchist, under interrogation, jumps (or is thrown), from the fourth floor of a police station and an insidious cover-up follows. With hilarious zany slapstick, boggling word play, and confusing disguises, this wild farce seems almost unbelievable.

With a live jazz band, a young and exciting cast and bold production design, this show launches audiences into a striking and frenzied world where the absurd games of the Maniac are set against the desperate atmosphere of the police station. We are able to laugh at the macabre dance of power and corruption, while engaging with unsettling political commentary.

The Accidental Death of an Anarchist
by Dario Fo

Friday 22 June – Saturday 30 June

Zenith Theatre, Cnr McIntosh and Railway Streets Chatswood

Bookings 9777 7547 or www.epicentretheatre.org.au