Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide

Conquest of the Universe

or When Queens Collide

La Mama

Experimental Theatre Club

November 4, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of La Mama

Charles Ludlam’s Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide is now running in the East Village at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club.  Director Everett Quinton recreates this Ridiculous Theatrical Company production with bawdy humor and raucous sexual innuendo.  The play is structured with parallels to Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine the Great and contains direct references to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Titus Andronicus. 

Everett Quinton & Geraldine Dulex
Photo courtesy of Theo Cote & La Mama

The play opens with Tamberlaine, President of the Earth (played by Grant Neale), conquering Mars and capturing Bajazeth, King of Mars (played by Lenys Sama), and Zabina, Queen of Mars (played by Everett Quinton).  Tamberlaine goes on to conquer Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn, enslaving their leaders.  When Zabina is murdered, her brother Cosroe (also played by Everett Quinton) unites with the imprisoned leaders of the universe to plot revenge.

Grant Neale as Tamberlaine
Photo courtesy of Theo Cote & La Mama

The cast is largely made up of veteran members of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.  Everett Quinton embodies the timing and rhythm that makes Charles Ludlam’s work relevant and alive.  Grant Neale is broad and commanding as Tamberlaine.  Lenys Sama is bold as Bajazeth.  Geraldine Dulex is titillating as Venus.  Beth Dodye Bass is powerful as Natolia, Queen of Saturn.  Over the top performances are delivered by the entire cast, especially Shane Baker, John Gutierrez, and Sommer Carbuccia.

This production of Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide celebrates the cutting edge experimental theatre of Charles Ludlam and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.  If you have not experienced it before, this is your chance.  It is running at La Mama through November 19. 

Domenick Danza