The Department of Performing Arts presents "The Memorandum" one of Vaclav Havel's most popular comedies, written in the early 1960s.
Vaclav Havel (1936—2011) was a playwright, dissident, the last president of Czechoslovakia, and the first president of the Czech Republic. “The Memorandum,” one of his most popular comedies, takes place in an office where in an effort to make communication more deliberate and scientific, a new official language has been initiated.
Imagine a normal day in which you arrive at work only to discover that everything around you has suddenly changed. That’s what happens to Andrew Gross when he arrives and discovers that his agency has instituted a new scientifically created language called Ptydepe (puh-tye-di-pee).
Set in 1982, this absurd and poignant comedy is a hilarious commentary on bureaucracy and the controlling nature of human beings. As the humorous action unfolds, we see how the institutionalizing of this new language is actually a power-grab by ruthless managers.
The Memorandum runs about two hours and, if it was a film, would be rated PG.
Admission: $13 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be taken by calling (336) 278-5650.