Yale School of Drama presents the regional premiere of Dario Fo's The Pope and the Witch, adapted and directed by Stephan Genn, for a limited run at the Yale University Theatre in New Haven, CT, Oct. 29-Nov. 2.

From the Italian playwright best known for his farce, We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!, The Pope and the Witch follows a modern-day pope embracing contemporary social issues such as drugs and contraception. Meanwhile, the Holy See, the Mafia, many orphans, nuns, monks, and random others become embroiled in a topsy-turvy romp.

The actors are being trained in the Commedia Dell'Arte tradition of performance, by Co-Artistic Director of Dell'Arte Players and former New Pickle Circus member Donald Forrest.

Genn was granted permission to create a new adaptation of the play by Fo himself. Of the script, Genn says, "It has all the elements I love in populist, rough and lowbrow theatre--riotous comedy, hard physicality, hard-hitting, socio-political content and purity of intention."

A London production of the hard-edged comedy was hailed by strong reviews. The Pope and the Witch runs Tues-Sat 8pm, with a 2pm Sat. matinee. Tickets are $8-15, and are available by calling (203) 432-1234.

-- By Blair Glaser