‘Baby with the Bathwater’ written by Christopher Durang, is the second installment of the 2002-2003 Northern Kentucky University Theatre Season called ‘Season of Dreams.’
‘Baby with the Bathwater’ is an old German proverb meaning people carelessly discard bathwater without realizing it may contain something of value. Simply stated, throwing out the good with the bad.
The play is about a dysfunctional family’s inability to communicate, and comprehend life’s little challenges. It is a story about a person who found the courage to remove himself from a chaotic existence and move on with his life.
The play is considered a dark comedy because the events taking place are tragic, yet portrayed in a comedic way.
Associate Professor Dr. Samuel Zachary is the director of ‘Baby with the Bathwater.’ He teaches the department’s graduate acting and directing courses for teachers. He also teaches classes in theatre history, dramatic a, theory/criticism, play script analysis, directing, and acting.
The most difficult part of this performance is for the actors to remove themselves from the real aspect of acting to a surreal or absurd element of the role, while maintaining a logical performance, and portraying the humorous side and tragedy of the situation.
“The play deals with sensitive dysfunctional family issues, but does it in a farcical way. Some audiences may be confused or offended. Whatever the case, it’s the job of theatre to challenge audience’s perceptions of life and living,” said Zachary.
When asked about why he chose to do this particular play, Zachary said, “The slot was intended for a contemporary/modern, nonrealistic play. The play script fit the bill. And the theatre department has never produced one of Durang’s plays. It was time.”
‘Baby with the Bathwater’ first appeared at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass and off-Broadway in 1983.
The performance will be held in the NKU Black Box Theatre, located on the first floor of the Fine Arts Building. The play runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 3.
For ticket information, and directions call the Box office at Call 859-572-5464. Box Office opens at 7 p.m. doors open at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, $9 faculty/staff, and $6 for students.
