Z-PAC Theatre’s latest show, ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ is a funny yet disturbing roller coaster struggle for status between the confident, testosterone-heavy McMurphy and the orderly and manipulative Nurse Ratched.
Set in a mental institution, this power play reveals a world of emotional button-pushing, chaos and rebellion.
Based on the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey, it is a tale that takes many turns, often funny, sometimes tragic, but ultimately a triumph of the human spirit.
The story centres around Randall McMurphy who is transferred to a mental institution for ‘psychopathic evaluation’ from a prison farm.
He thinks it will be a breeze or much less restrictive, but he is up against Nurse Ratched, who runs the mental asylum with an iron fist and sweet, poised veneer.
Nurse Ratched, also known as Big Nurse, is a cold, heartless tyrant who has become the stereotype of the nurse as a battleaxe.
McMurphy represents freedom and self-determination, and so they clash.
Director Judith La Forest said, “I’m hoping that when people see the show, they’ll be inspired by this free spirit of an anti-hero,” said the long term theatre veteran, Ms La Forest.
Ms La Forest said the play had everything, including a fantastic mix of characters, action, desperations, tragedy, hope, and lots of laugh-out-loud moments.
Ms La Forest said she was pleased that the play featured so many talented and experienced actors that were great to work with.
She said the naturalistic show would appeal to anyone who loves good theatre and are intrigued to compare it to the iconic 1975 movie featuring Jack Nicholson as Mc Murphy and Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest runs from 17 September to 9 October at Z-PAC Theatre, 15 Zephyr St, Scarness.
Ticket prices are $27.50 for adults, $22 concession and $16.50 for students.
Book tickets at zpactheatre.com
TICKET GIVEAWAY
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