Howard loses more than an election

SYDNEY — It is generally taken for granted that plays with a political message are as dull as dishwater. This generalisation could not be further from the truth when dealing with the works of Dario Fo, Italy's Nobel Prize-winning playwright.

In his play Trumpets and Raspberries, Fo delivers the rarest of all theatrical experiences, thought-provoking hilarity.

The return season of this controversial play has been updated and tailored for a contemporary Australian audience by director Kylie Crain.

In the tradition of Fo's confrontational theatre productions, the Australian version sees the kidnapping of Prime Minister John Howard and his subsequent execution at the hands of militant terrorists.

Nor does the big business escape unscathed as bazooka-wielding radicals blow away and then reconstruct media baron Perry Kacker.

Trumpets and Raspberries commences on April 26 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale. To book, phone 9351 7940. For more information phone Marcus on 0414 880 702 or email <hottestm@bigpond.com>.

From GLW issue 443