Yale Rep will present ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’

“Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” written by Nobel Prize-winning Italian playwright Dario Fo, will be staged as the next production in the Yale Repertory Theatre’s season. 

Described by the organizers as “an explosive political farce,” the play was adapted by Gavin Richards from a translation by Gillian Hanna. Directed by Christopher Bayes, “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” will be performed Nov. 30-Dec. 21 at the Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St. Opening night is Friday, Dec. 6.

The play, which centers on a suspected anarchist who died at the bottom of a fourth-floor police station window, asks the questions: Did he fall? Or was he pushed?

The cast of “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” includes Molly Bernard, Liam Craig, Steven Epp, Allen Gilmore, Eugene Ma, and Jesse J. Perez.

The production features music composed and performed by Aaron Halva (who also serves as musical director) and Nathan A. Roberts, scenic design by Kate Noll, costumes by Elivia Bovenzi, lighting by Oliver Wason, sound by Nathan A. Roberts and Charles Coes, projections by Michael F Bergmann, vocal coaching by Walton Wilson, dramaturgy by Samantha Lazar, and stage management by Carolynn Richer.

Bayes is a professor and head of physical acting at the Yale School of Drama. He began his theater career with the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune, where he worked for five years as an actor, director, composer, designer, and artistic associate. In 1989 he joined the acting company of the Guthrie Theater and appeared in over 20 productions. His directing credits include productions at the Yale Rep, including “A Doctor in Spite of Himself” (2011), co-produced with Berkeley Repertory Theatre; “The Servant of Two Masters” (2010), which was remounted at The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., The Guthrie Theater, ArtsEmerson World Stages, and Seattle Rep; and “The Birds” (2001). He has also directed plays at Intiman Theatre, Court Theatre, and Trinity Repertory Company, among others.

The play is a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, where it will be performed March 7-April 20, 2014.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with additional 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 (an open-captioned and audio-described performance), and 21, and on Wednesday, Dec. 11. There is one Monday performance, on Dec. 2. Other special events include a reception for senior citizens at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Talk Back conversations with members of the cast and crew following the Saturday matinee show on Dec. 7 and 14.

Tickets for “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” are $20-$98 and are available online at yalerep.org, by phone at 203-432-1234, and in person at the Yale Rep box office, 1120 Chapel St. (at York Street). Student, senior, and group rates are also available.