EXIT THE KING Comes To EXIT Theatre, 3/16

King Berenger clings to life like he clung to his scepter, but one-by-one his faculties, staff, and two wives are taken from him until he has no choice but to die, as we all must, alone. But will he die at peace? Ionesco's Exit the King is an absurdist but compassionate exploration of acceptance as the ultimate act of grace. This vibrant new production, directed by EXIT Theatre artist-in-residence Stuart Bousel, shows us how to look Death in the eye, laugh in Death's face, and go quietly into the long night whether we've lived gracefully or not.

Beginning in 1987 with Improvisation, or the Shepherd's Chameleon, directed by Artistic Director, Christina Augello, EXIT Theatre has produced or hosted more than 20 productions of Ionesco's work, including Exit the King in 1998. From 1987 - 1989, Augello and Ionesco corresponded regarding EXIT's productions, and for many years, EXIT was home to a regular season of absurdist works. Starring Don Wood, as King Berenger, Christina Augello, as Queen Marguerite, and Mikka Bonel, as Queen Marie, with Valerie Fachman, Justin Lucas, and Ron Talbot, Exit the King marks a triumphal return to the playwright who's inspired so much of EXIT Theatre's artistic direction, for over 30 years.

Exit the King: by Eugene Ionesco, translated by Donald Watson

EXIT Theatre: 156 Eddy, SF, CA, 94103, 415-673-3847, www.theexit.org

When: Previews, Friday - Saturday, March 16 - 17; Opening night, Monday, March 19; Friday - Saturday, March 23 - 24; Thursday - Saturday, March 29 - 31 & April 5 - 7. 8PM curtain.

Tickets: Previews, $15; Show tickets, $20 - $30, at https://exit-the-king.brownpapertickets.com/