Synopsis: 

 

Randle P. Murphy is a charming rogue who contrives to serve a short sentence in a mental institution, rather than in prison. This he soon learns was a mistake as he immediately clashes with the head nurse (Rached) but still manages to accomplish what the medical profession has been unable to do; he makes the presumed deaf & dumb Indian (Chief Bromden) talk, he leads others out of introvision, stages a ward revolt and arranges a rollicking midnight party with liquor & hookers. For one offence the head nurse has him submit to shock treatment but at the conclusion, she has him sent for the final correction.

 

BHTC NOTES: For this performance in the round,

the theatre was designed as the day room of a

hospital ward with a nurses station built upon

the stage. The actors moved around and sat

amongst the audience and with the reduced

seating capacity, two additional performances

had to be added almost immediately to keep

up with the demand for tickets.

 

PLAYWRIGHT: Dale Wasserman, based on the

novel by Ken Kesey