English playwright Peter Shaffer’s “Yonadab,” his most daring and personal theatrical work, will be presented by the Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department Oct. 12-21.
It will be performed in the SMC Theatre Arts Main Stage on the main campus, 1900 Pico Blvd.
With “Yonadab,” Shaffer explores the battle between the mundane and the transcendent in this ethical drama in which ancient superstition and beliefs influence the judgment and actions of court members and royal descendents in the court of King David. Rape, incest and murder are just some of the acts found in this play. Because of the adult material, discretion is advised.
British playwright Shaffer is best known for his plays “Equus” and “Amadeus,” both of which were made into films. “Amadeus” (1984) won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Other plays of his include “The Royal Hunt of the Sun” and “Lettice and Lovage.”
Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. An additional 2 p.m. matinee is added for Saturday, Oct. 20. A preview is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11.
Tickets range from $12 to $15 advance sale (and $8 for preview) and $15 to $18 at the door (and $11 for preview). A $1-per-ticket service charge is added. Call 310.434.4319 or go to www.smc.edu/eventsinfo. Parking is free on Friday evenings and weekends.