BI-CO THEATER: CONQUEST AND QUEENS

On Friday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m., the Bryn Mawr-Haverford Theater Program will open its spring production, Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide.

Conquest of the Universe was written in 1967 by Charles Ludlam, founder of the Ridiculous Theatrical Company (RTC) and one of the leading figures in the queer theater movement. "When Queens Collide" is a reference to the conflict that led to Ludlam's founding of the RTC after he was fired from the cast of Conquest of the Universe by another theater group. Stung, he gathered friends and created his own troupe to perform the play he had written, distinguishing it from the competing theater's production by adding the rider to the title. The RTC eventually achieved legendary status in the New York theater world, and the street upon which it is located was renamed Charles Ludlam Lane after Ludlam's death in 1987 from AIDS.

An amalgamation of the story lines of Hamlet, Titus Andronicus and Marlowe's Tamburlaine, among others, Conquest of the Universe follows the exploits of the President of Earth as he attempts to take over the rest of creation. The result is a heady exploration of nationalism, imperialism and sexuality. "It takes a lot of risks," says Nora Sidoti '07, research assistant to the director. "The play challenges the actors to be quick on their feet and to expand their comfort zone. At the same time the play challenges the audience to have a sense of humor and an open mind."

The critically acclaimed team of Director of Theater Mark Lord and Technical Director Hiroshi Iwasaki provide direction and set design for Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide. The cast includes Johann Koehler HC '08, Matt Kearney HC '05, Aditi Vashist '08, Emily Hicks '07, Anna Marciniak '06, Jorge Rodriguez HC '07, Meredith Bihl '07, Masha Kapustina '07 and David Little HC '07.

Admission is free to students, faculty and staff of Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, and $5 for the general public. The play will be performed April 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m. each night.

— Allison Siegenthaler '07

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