THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES by John Guare directed by Barbara Damashek September 6—October 20, 2002 The Roda Theatre running time: 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission setting: a cold apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, New York City on October 4, 1965 “The Pope at Yankee Stadium-some guy. Boy, isn't that Pope some guy! You ever met him in your travels? … You Watch. That gang war in Vietnam—over tomorrow.” Artie Shaughnessy is thirsting for change. Emboldened by his girlfriend, Bunny Flingus, Artie dreams of leaving Queens behind to compose music for Hollywood movies. However, several obstacles stand in the way: his zookeeper job, his mentally unstable wife Bananas, and his AWOL son Ronnie, who is plotting to bomb the visiting Pope! The fabulously creative Barbara Damashek (Rhinoceros) returns to Berkeley Rep to direct this hilarious dark comedy about a family consumed by elaborate ideas of fame. One of the defining stories of its era, The House of Blue Leaves captures the flavor of the sixties—a time of transition, turmoil, heartbreak and opportunity.