Summary

Set in the historic French asylum where the Marquis de Sade often performed plays with his fellow inmates during their imprisonment, this play-within-a-play presents the final days of the French Revolution for the asylum’s visiting director and his upper-class family. Their portrayal sheds a chilling light on the complexities of revolution and the fragility of the human mind, and the audience is forced to confront uncomfortable questions about mental illness, leadership and the true nature of freedom. Peter Weiss’ Tony Award-winning masterpiece uses song and story to create a political parable that is a deep examination of human suffering and class struggle that still resonates deeply today.

Performance Dates & Times

Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 20 at 8:00 p.m.
Monday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Program

We’ve gone digital!
In alignment with the University’s commitment to sustainability, the programs for all SDA productions are available online. Audience members can scan a QR code in the theatre, or visit dramaticarts.usc.edu/digital-programs to view the program. A limited number of printed programs will be available at the theatre upon request.

Ticketing

Purchase Tickets

SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY TICKETS MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE DOOR.
The USC Ticket Office is CASHLESS.
USC students should log into their Ticket Office student accounts first to receive student prices.

Parking

Guests attending USC School of Dramatic Arts performances are given a parking discount, please refer to your ticket confirmation email for necessary codes and instructions on how to access the discount.

Content Warning

Please be advised that this production is from a genre of theatre categorized as “Theatre of Cruelty,” a style of theatre envisioned by French surrealist director, Antonin Artaud, as a response to the passivity of realism. The production includes descriptions and depictions of violent and sexual acts, including assault, murder, and other forms of violence. Additionally, this production includes depictions of incarceration and mental illness.

More About the Production

Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.