Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco

Eugène Ionesco's absurdist drama premiered in 1962 and was brought to an abandoned castle on the Hudson River by a semi-professional acting company in 1972. Produced by David Quaid. Directed by Edward Berkeley and David Quaid.

[@absoluterefusal]

Thank you so much! I've rarely been so riveted and moved by art and performance! I can't imagine anything following this act. I feel sorry for myself that Truesdale wasn't cast in other such works.

[@watchfuleagleson]

This is about as good as it could get on film. Saw this circa 1970 in a Los Angeles theater-in-the-round production that overwhelmed me in a way that no movie, and only a couple of books (The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy & Stoner by John Williams), ever could. This is not Ionesco the absurdist. It's pure storytelling, and truer than any nonfiction.

[@kennethj.williams9263]

Wow. What a strange treasure. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@andrea_germany]

Fantastic

[@johngreenman6088]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lw393]

Don't be turned off by the silly-seeming first 15 minutes or so, but stick with it - a play at least as good as the better-known Rhinoceros, and even more directly challenging to the audience. We can't laugh at or criticize the King's refusal to accept his mortality, because we are all in the same situation. If this is "a semi-professional acting company," they are as good as many professionals, and the appearance of some - the androgynous King, the Melania-Trump-like Queen Marie - add to the inspired setting to make this a version well worth watching.

[@Guckious]

What are the chances that this would be uploaded the same time that Im acting out a monolouge. Life saver, thanks

[@cassidyma6634]

could anyone find the soundtrack for this??? i love it so much

[@johngreenman6088]

This film was produced in 1972.

[@justinehansen9403]

"Nothing can so give composure in the prospect, or in the hour of death, as to know that we have faithfully and simply followed the Lord Jesus, and sought His glory"

[@justinehansen9403]

The foregoing quote is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, 2nd Peter 1:12-15

[@fat_leech]

Can anyone confirm what year this is from? 1978?

[@johngreenman6088]

1972

[@Carr-qp7kb]

What year did this come out does anyone know

[@johngreenman6088]

1972

[@Betajolt]

Though filming wrapped in 1972, post-production took a couple of years. I think the first screening I saw was in ‘76, possibly the same screening Ionesco saw.

[@noelephantitis]

@@BetajoltHow did he respond?