Culture Shock

Grand Guignol

Amy Dalness
\
3 min read
Share ::
Le Théâtre du Grand Guignol translates literally into "big puppet show." Horror isn’t the first genre that comes to mind when thinking of puppets, but gore and taboo are specialties of Le Théâtre du Grand Guignol . The theater, located in Paris’ racy Pigalle district, was known for its encounters with the law, having been shut down by police censors for such atrocities as portraying prostitutes and vagrants on stage. From 1898 to 1914, director Max Maurey measured the success of a Grand Guignol play by the number of audience members who fainted.

How will Santa Fe Playhouse measure its success?

Santa Fe Playhouse (142 East DeVargas, Santa Fe) presents its last weekend of
Grand Guignol: The French Theatre of Horror , four one-acts from Le Théâtre du Grand Guignol soaked in blood, slathered in sex and covered in controversy. Grand Guignol runs Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. Halloween night features a special gala with live music, dancing, food and a costume contest. Tickets for the gala are $25; Saturday and Sunday performances are $15 general and $12 students/seniors; and Thursday night is pay-what-you-wish. Call the box office at (505) 988-4262 for info and reservations.

Culture Shock I Vant Your Blood

Count Dracula has made Albuquerque his home this All Hallows’ Eve. He is appearing in two (at least) performances in the Duke City—one a bit more frightening than the other.

Every night through Nov. 1, Del Norte High School Thespians present
Dracula at 7 p.m. This adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel is not suitable for children. Admission is $5 adults and $4 students. Come a bit early (between 3 to 6 p.m. at 5323 Montgomery NE) on Friday, Oct. 31, to be spooked by the Del Norte theatrical types during a haunted house. The $3 “scaring tax,” as we’ll call it, helps to fund their program.

If a riotous spoof is more your angle, join
ABQStages for Dracula: The Musical? at The Filling Station (1024 Fourth Street SW). With performances at 7 and 11 p.m. on Halloween night, and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, your chances to see this campy version of Dracula are numerous. Tickets are $15 general, $10 children, but if you come in costume on Halloween you get $2 off your ticket (plus you’ll be able to enter the costume contest). Visit abqstages.org or call 323-9349 for more information.
1 2 3 234

Search