Theatre

An autopsy of contemporary society conveyed through the trivial and absurd statements exchanged between two couples. La Cantratrice Chauve by Eugene Ionesco was staged by Nicolas Bataille at the Theatre de Noctambules May 10, 1950. The reviews are very mixed but when the play is performed a second time on February 16, 1957 at the Theatre de la Huchette, the unexpected happens. The elite of Paris rush to see this unidentified theatrical object. In the sixty years since then the Ionesco Show has become an institution. Now in its 61st year the Ionesco Show continues to hold the world record for the show that has been played non-stop in the same theatre. In the year 2000 it was presented with an honorary Moliere award.

The Smiths are a traditional couple from London who have invited another couple, the Martins, over for a visit. They are joined later by the Smiths’ maid, Mary, and the local fire chief, who is also Mary’s lover.