Les Parents Terribles

Five characters, two different settings, three acts; an overpowering mother, a doting son, a jilted aunt, a lecherous father, and an innocent young girl -- Cocteau takes all of this, and weaves together an odd story of the ultimate dysfunctional family. This translation was used by the Royal National Theatre in London for the recent "revival" of the play, which eventually came to New York and starred Kathleen Turner and British newcomer Jude Law. Cocteau adapted this play for a french film version several years after it closed. Not for those looking for "light entertainment;" some may be disturbed by the oedipal themes which Cocteau explored in this work, but definitely satisfying for those looking for "different" or "thought-provoking" theatre (or the "just strange" style for that matter).