KU News Release

University Theatre to stage Jean Genet’s ‘The Maids’ at KU

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas’ University Theatre will stage Martin Crimp’s translation of Jean Genet’s “The Maids” at 7:30 p.m. March 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, and at 2:30 p.m. March 4 at Stage Too! in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

Mechele Leon, assistant professor of theatre and film, is directing the production. Scenic and lighting designer is Delbert Unruh, professor of theatre and film; costume designer is Mark Reaney, professor of theatre and film; diction coach is Paul Meier, professor of theatre and film; and fight director is Jeremy Riggs, Lawrence junior.

Leon said Crimp’s translation of “The Maids,” which premiered in July 1999 at the Young Vic Theatre in London, remains true to Genet’s original work while invigorating the language of the play and providing the use of a possible alternate ending, also written by Genet.

“The Maids” caused a scandal when it opened in Paris in 1947 for its stark portrayal of seething working class discontent. Set in the bedroom of an upper class Parisian home, the dark and brooding play depicts two sisters, both servants in the home, who nightly engage in a secret ceremony of revenge while their mistress is away. The story follows the sisters as they weave through past and present, fiction and fantasy, truth and lies, and finally, detection and escape.

“For Solange and Claire, the ritual becomes reality as they face the ultimate challenge of despair, jealousy, hatred and sisterly love,” said Leon.

Initially produced in Paris on a double bill with a comedy, “The Maids” was Genet’s first successful play and an exploration of the social dysfunction reflected in not only the existentialist movement of post-World War II Europe but also his own personal experience. Drawing on notions of role-playing and distancing, Genet explored disparities in power and representations of gender and sexuality within intimate, yet strained, relationships.

“Genet draws attention to society’s normative constructions of gender, class and sexuality, which contextualize the actions of Solange and Claire as ‘monstrous,’ ” said Leon. “By questioning socially constructed identities, the play provides a complex, layered critique of what are considered appropriate feminine roles. Genet challenged audiences to reconsider intimate female relationships and the origins of the violence and passion which lead Solange and Claire to commit their actions.

“There’s no relationship between women that is as complex, deep and difficult as sisters. Our sisters know what we are made of and afraid of, and only sisters know what it takes to truly destroy each other.”

The KU production deals with adult subject matter and includes strong language. It is not suitable for children.

General admission tickets for “The Maids” are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and Student Union Activities, 864-7469, or online. Tickets are $12 for the public, $10 for students and $11 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. VISA and Mastercard are accepted for phone and online orders.

Talkbacks with the director and cast members will be held immediately following the Saturday, March 3, and Wednesday, March 7, performances.

“The Maids” is an associate entry in the 2007 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival XXXIX.

Students in cast and production roles for “The Maids” are listed below by name, class and major, parents’ names, high school and role.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66046
Jeremy Riggs, junior in theatre and film; De Soto High School; fight director.

FINNEY COUNTY
From Garden City 67846
Alicia Gian, master’s degree student in theatre, daughter of Michael and Janis Gian; Garden City High School; Madame.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe 66062
Cali Gilman, junior in theatre, daughter of Barbara Signor; Olathe South High School, Claire.

KEARNY COUNTY
From Lakin 67860
Chelsie S. Shipley, sophomore in theatre, daughter of Price Shipley and Sue Shipley; Lakin High School; Solange.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.