Foothill Theatre Arts Presents Absurdist Comedy “Rhinoceros”

By Ron Friedenthal

     Foothill Theatre Arts presents “Rhinoceros”, a theater of the absurd, using the seduction of conformity from the rise of fascism during the 1930s, in an updated version to demonstrate the vulnerabilities of complacency. “Rhinoceros” is currently performing through June 8 at the Lohman Theatre (12345 El Monte Rd.) in Los Altos Hills.

     The setting for “Rhinoceros” is a normal small town, whose members are overtaken by a herd of Rhinoceros who transform the town inhabitants from human to beasts. By wanting to conform, the town’s inhabitants willingly let this happen. The theater of the absurd invites the audience to question what it means to be human in a world which feels like it is spinning out of control.

     A powerhouse cast presents this thought-provoking drama, including Caitie Clancy (Berenger), Lian Malla (John), Adam Hogsett (Bedard), Daniel Spiteri, Sr. (Corey), Trinity White (Angel), Tiffany Walters (Papillon), Elizaveta Azrapkina (Waitress), Sema Baylla (Housewife), Nicola Barcelona (Mrs. Boef), Johnny Chen (Bos), Alejandro Contreras (Logician), Alejandro Flores (Gentleman), Vasim Jamil (Shopkeeper), and Jaden Moody (Fireman).

     Why this is so important today and why this play has been revived, is a lesson on the lure of authoritarianism today and the dangers of complacency. We have to be on guard or the results will be tragic.

     This thought-provoking production in the intimate setting of Foothill Theatre Arts’ Lohman Theater, makes the theater experience very worth the time.

     For tickets or more information please phone (650) 949-7360 or visit foothill.edu/theatre.

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Photo caption: Foothill Theatre Arts presents Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist comedy “Rhinoceros,” currently performing through June 8, at the Lohman Theatre, Los Altos Hills. (Photo courtesy of Foothill Theatre Arts)