Archduke

World Premiere

“A first-rate Taper production! Rajiv Joseph uses history to tell a story about the contemporary moment. The comic energy carries the characters to their tragic finish line and the last scene is perfection!” -- Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times 

Three hapless and hungry young men fumble their way through history as they take on a mission of martyrdom. Are they fighting for Serb independence or a sandwich? Patriotism or pudding? With Archduke Franz Ferdinand as their target, a depraved Captain sends Gavrilo, Nedeljko, and Trifko on a darkly comedic journey towards immortality in Rajiv Joseph's (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Guards at the Taj) World premiere and Center Theatre Group Commission Archduke. 

“Rajiv Joseph uses laughter in disarming and unexpected ways. He has turned the spotlight of world history upon the comical, inadvertently profound side characters…to consider how easily any man can derail the path of progress.” -- Variety 

“Archduke finds outrageous laughs in the origins of WWI…attributed not just to Rajiv Joseph's rhythmic, offbeat humor, but to the impeccable timing of director Giovanna Sardelli and an outstanding cast led by Broadway veteran Patrick Page.” -- The Hollywood Reporter

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