Bare Theatre presents
THE LEADER
inspired by and including the “The Leader” by Eugene Ionesco
created by the ensemble
directed by G. Todd Buker

October 25 - 28 - Common Ground Theatre
4815-B Hillsborough Rd., Durham
Th. 10/25, Fri. 10-/26, Sat. 10/27 at 8:00p; Sun. 10/28 at 2:00p

November 3 - 4 & 8 - 11 - Visual Art Exchange
309 W. Martin St., Raleigh
Sat. 11/3 at 8:00p, Sun. 11/4 at 2:00p; Th. 11/8, Fri. 11/9, Sat. 11/10 at 8:00p; Sun. 11/11 at 2:00p

Bare Theatre presents a mix of shorts that portray the role of leaders in society.

With one of the most decisive elections in United States history approaching, Bare Theatre uses Eugene Ionesco’s 1953 absurdist comedy "The Leader" as the centerpiece of a collection of pieces to capture the sometimes humorous, sometimes disturbing implications of following a leader. This bizarre story raises questions about human nature and leadership without being specific to time, place, or person.

The original collection will feature, in addition to the Ionesco play and other vignettes: clowns performing TSA-style security checkpoints, a brief look at the most impactful leaders in world history, a presentation on “The Anatomy of a Leader,” fun with lemmings, and a choreographed game of “king of the hill” with sinister turns.

Managing Director G. Todd Buker (Much Ado About Nothing, Let Them Be Heard) directs the ensemble, which features Joanna Herath, Loren Armitage, Matthew Hager, Cassandra Wladyslava, Matt Fields, Patrick Cox, Jeff Buckner, Stephen Wall, and Diana McQueen. Additional writing by Chuck Keith and G. Todd Buker, with physical choreography by Jason Bailey and Artistic Director Heather J. Strickland.

The show contains some adult language and themes and some stage violence, but should be suitable for most ages.