A dark comedic German production bursting with bizarre characters is the latest play to be mounted in Memorial’s venerable Reid Theatre.

Woyzeck, one of the most performed and influential plays from Germany, was written by Georg Büchner and has been often described as a working class tragedy. It explores the struggles of a lower class character, Franz Woyzeck, being played by Jordan Harvey, and the societal pressures and scientific experiments that propel him towards madness.

The play is a production of Stage Monkey Productions, made up of students from English 4401: Producing the Play which is being taught by Dr. Jamie Skidmore, assistant professor, Department of English, who is directing the play and has designed the set. The group also consists of students from English 3351: The Physical Stage which is being taught by Jeff Baggs and Jason Smith.

Dr. Skidmore is hoping the students have learned that “theatre is a creative medium where style and form are of the utmost importance.

“Woyzeck is a very challenging play to stage because it’s written in a very cinematic fashion with short scenes and lots of actions,” he added. “I’ve tried to be very creative and experimental in the staging of this production, incorporating moving scenery, a plethora of sound, a stiltwalker, and exaggerated characters.”

Dr. Skidmore said students have learned the finer points of how to actually produce a play and stage productions. He said each had a specific role to play in the creation of the show.

“The students were the producers and co-ordinated most of the areas of production, including marketing, sponsorships, costuming, props, the program, ticketing, the website, and a course pack,” he said.

• Listen to Dr. Jamie Skidmore talk about the hands-on experience students have received from taking his class.

Woyzeck will run from Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Saturday, Nov. 25. Showtime is 8 p.m. each evening.

The opening night performance will be dedicated to Dr. Dick Buehler, a longtime Memorial English professor who passed away in July 2006. Half of the profits from opening night will go towards the Dick Buehler Award in Theatre, and a reception will be held in his honour after the show.

• Listen to Dr. Skidmore explain the importance of supporting the Dick Buehler Award.

Meanwhile, during Thursday night’s performance, MUN Drama will join Stage Monkey Productions for a night of improvisation. The drama group will take to the stage after Woyzeck for what’s being billed as an exciting night of comedy and laughter.

Tickets for Woyzeck are $10 each for adults and seniors; students are two for one. They’re on sale at the University Bookstore, Melendy’s, or through students in Dr. Skidmore’s class. Free parking during the show is available in Area 15.

More information about the production, including photos, a blog and information about the cast and crew has been posted online.