Král Ubu 1990
Dive into the chaotic world of Král Ubu (1990), Zdeněk Kubeček's darkly comedic and wildly theatrical adaptation of Alfred Jarry's absurdist classic.
Director: Zdeněk Kubeček
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Král Ubu (1990) about?
Král Ubu (1990) follows the story of Father Ubo, a selfish and gluttonous man who seizes the Polish throne with his wife's encouragement. His tyrannical rule, driven solely by self-interest, sparks a rebellion that exposes the absurdity of his ambition and the fragility of his power.
Who directed Král Ubu?
Zdeněk Kubeček directed Král Ubu (1990), bringing this absurdist theatrical production to the screen with a keen eye for the darkly comedic and the grotesque.
Who stars in Král Ubu?
The film features Jan Libíček as Father Ubo, Marie Málková as his wife, and a talented ensemble including Jan Přeučil, Václav Sloup, and Oldřich Vlach in key roles.
Is Král Ubu (1990) worth watching?
If you enjoy absurdist theater and sharp social satire, Král Ubu (1990) is a hidden gem worth exploring. While not widely known, its dark humor and critique of power make it a fascinating watch for fans of unconventional storytelling. The film's historical significance as a preserved 1968 recording adds to its appeal.
How long is Král Ubu?
Runtime details are not listed for Král Ubu (1990).
About Král Ubu (1990) — How a glutton's greed topples a kingdom in this absurdist play adaptation
Dive into the chaotic world of Král Ubu (1990), Zdeněk Kubeček's darkly comedic and wildly theatrical adaptation of Alfred Jarry's absurdist classic. This filmed stage production follows the gluttonous and ruthless Father Ubo, a man of insatiable appetite for power and indulgence, who—with his wife's cunning encouragement—overthrows the Polish king and installs himself on the throne. What begins as a farcical tale of greed soon spirals into a grotesque reign of terror, where Ubo's selfishness triggers a rebellion that exposes the fragility of his regime. Shot in July 1968, this rare recording captures the raw intensity of live theater, blending sharp satire with the raw energy of a story that feels just as relevant today as it did in its original form.
Starring Jan Libíček as the irrepressible Ubo, Marie Málková as his ambitious and manipulative wife, and a stellar ensemble cast, Král Ubu (1990) merges drama and comedy into a provocative critique of power and corruption. The film's absurdist tone and unflinching portrayal of human folly create an atmosphere that's both unsettling and darkly hilarious. For fans of avant-garde theater and biting social commentary, this adaptation offers a rare glimpse into a cult classic preserved against the odds.