Ionesco's Exit the King Coming to Annapolis Royal

The Annapolis District Drama Group (ADDG) is going to be performing Eugene Ionesco's 1962 play, Exit the King, April 25 - 27, at the King's theatre in Annapolis Royal. Local actor and playwright, Paul Rapsey, will be performing the role of King Berenger the First.

Although Ionesco did not call himself an absurdist, the play has been placed in the absurdist genre by others. Berenger is an Everyman who is informed of his impending death by those around him. He has lived by his ego and has not seen or accepted the inevitability of his death.

Death and ego are the two central themes in the play, says Paul Rapsey. And ego has impeded the King's wisdom both in ruling his failing Kingdom, and in living his life.

Ionesco found everday reality to be incomprehensible and in a sense amazing. Berenger says, "It is all magical". Everyday is a new beginning.

[Publicity Photo by Tim Wilson]

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