Quentin Tarantino is writing and directing his first play, The Popinjay Cavalier, because what the world really needed was another outlet for his unique brand of stylized violence and witty banter. The play, set in 1830s Europe, promises to be a “sweeping celebration of theatre, complete with acrobatics, swordplay, daring deeds, dastardly acts and an incredible cast whose virtues put the very saints to shame.” Because, you know, that’s exactly what theater was missing – more swordfights and acrobatics. Tickets are now on sale for performances starting on February 23 at the Phoenix Theatre in London, because who needs Broadway when you can have the West End?
The premise of the play follows Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr., the world’s greatest actor, as he heads to Paris to perform for the illustrious Comédie-Française. However, after a few ill-advised words about the French, Rupert’s trip takes a decidedly more dangerous turn. It’s a classic tale of deception and disguise, inspired by the grand adventure epics and sparkling romances of stage and screen. Borat himself, Sacha Baron Cohen, will play the lead role, because who better to portray the world’s greatest actor than a man who has made a career out of playing absurd characters?
As part of the hype surrounding the play, the production team has released several videos on Instagram, including one of Tarantino signing in to work at the Phoenix Theatre. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the world was missing – more behind-the-scenes footage of Quentin Tarantino doing mundane tasks. The play’s official website promises that audiences can “expect Tarantino’s signature style and rapier wit” in the production, which is code for “expect a lot of long, rambling monologues and graphic violence.”
The State of Theater in the Age of Franchise Fever
It’s interesting to note that Tarantino’s foray into theater comes at a time when the entertainment industry is more focused than ever on franchises and intellectual properties. The Content Mines remain fully operational, churning out sequel after sequel, remake after remake, and reboot after reboot. It’s a wonder that anyone has the time or energy to create something entirely new and original. And yet, here we are, with Tarantino’s play promising to be a “sweeping celebration of theatre” in the midst of all this franchise fever.
The fact that The Popinjay Cavalier is opening in London’s West End rather than on Broadway is also noteworthy. Is this a sign that the theater world is shifting across the pond, or is it simply a case of Tarantino wanting to try something new and different? Either way, it’s a bold move, and one that will likely pay off given Tarantino’s dedicated fan base.
Tarantino’s Busy Year Ahead
It’s going to be a busy few months for Tarantino, who is not only prepping his first play but also has the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood coming out this fall. The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth was written by Tarantino, stars Brad Pitt as Cliff, and was directed by David Fincher. It premieres on Netflix on December 23, because what’s a holiday season without a little bit of Tarantino-style violence and nostalgia? It’s a wonder that Tarantino has the time and energy to juggle so many projects at once, but hey, when you’re a genius, you can do whatever you want, right?
As the entertainment industry continues to churn out more and more content, it’s refreshing to see someone like Tarantino taking a risk and trying something new. Even if The Popinjay Cavalier doesn’t end up being a huge commercial success, it’s a bold move, and one that will likely pay off in terms of critical acclaim and fan appreciation. And who knows, maybe it’ll even start a trend – maybe we’ll see a resurgence of original, innovative storytelling in the entertainment industry. But probably not. After all, as the great philosopher once said, “Hollywood has once again mistaken familiarity for originality.”
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
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