The director Robert Wilson, a master of stylistic means, staged Alfred Jarry’s grotesque “King Ubu” as a radio play – with himself and the brilliant Angela Winkler in all roles.
Papa Ubu, as this little father is called before he becomes King Ubu, has no quality that would qualify him as a ruler. If you disregard his lust for power, which is additionally fueled by the even greater lust for power of his wife, Mama Ubu. Eventually she goads him to a coup d’etat, and Ubu actually succeeds in assassinating the reigning Wenceslas and taking his place. Drunk from his victory, his megalomania quickly goes beyond measure.