Crude, witty and a touch of genius
U.B.U – A Cautionary Tale of Catastrophe is Richard Hilliar’s reimagining of Alfred Jarry’s UBU Roi, seen through the lens of an alternate universe. Set in the town of Pooland, the tale follows the (initially reluctant) rise to power of war hero UBU, the ‘Beast of Bog Hill’, as he is manipulated and steered by those more cunning and power-hungry than himself.
Along the way, the show takes a sharp look at almost every human frailty and predilection, from traditional sins (greed, lust, pride) to more modern-day transgressions (white privilege, toxic masculinity, hipsters...), set against a backdrop of climate change (‘The Great Heatening’). It draws obvious parallels with current world politics and the Trump administration, but its underlying themes are so universal that it could be performed in 500 BC or AD 3050 and still be deeply understood.
The production does not pull its punches with loud dialogue, bright costumes, a few genuinely frightening moments and carefully modified language that sounds shocking but stops short of actual profanity to great comic effect (‘are you fecucking kidding me??’). The production is supported by minimal but effective props, with lighting and music choregraphed to add just enough interest whilst keeping things moving at pace.
Brilliantly performed, the cast gave 110 per cent in the tiny Bordello Room which turned this piece into an immersive and surreal trip into UBU’s world. Standout performances by Gideon Payten-Griffiths as Prince Bitchard and Tristan Black as Fuller Bjullschitt, combined with a few hilarious musical numbers, gave the show a level of professionalism and confidence that lifted it from tiny production to meaningful theatre experience.
Don’t let the potty humour and playful delivery fool you: at its essence, this piece is a deep searching of the soul. It reflects back our own true natures and asks the biggest question of all – can humanity be saved, or will self-interest and greed win the day?
U.B.U is showing from September 10 to 21 at the Kings Cross Hotel as part of Sydney Fringe Festival >> tickets $30