May 13, 2008

The University Theatre season opens Friday, Oct. 5, at California State University, Fresno with a comedy about cultural identity that has created its share of controversy since its debut in 2003.

David Ives’ “Polish Joke” is about Jasiu Sadlowski (Adam Schroeder), who takes it to heart when his Uncle Roman (James Taylor) tells him about the realities of being Polish in the United States and being the butt of a million jokes.

As he becomes a man, Sadlowski changes his name to John Sadler, then Jack Flanagan, and distances himself from his cultural roots. But he finds it difficult to navigate job interviews, the priesthood, relationships, shopping, travel and other aspects of American life because the stereotypical views about his heritage keep getting in the way.

Repeating well-worn Polish jokes and displaying the stereotypes of Polish, Jewish and Irish heritage has provoked the harsh criticism of “Polish Joke.” Other critics were enthusiastic about the authenticity of Ives’ representation of a person locked in struggle with his heritage and trying to fit in.

Dr. Ed EmanuEl, a theater professor, directs the production, premiering at 8 p.m. Friday in the John Wright Theatre. Additional performances will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8; and 8 p.m. Oct. 9-13.

Tickets are $15 general, $13 faculty, staff, Fresno State Alumni Association members and non-Fresno State students; and $8 Fresno State students. Tickets are available noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Theatre Box Office in the Speech Arts Building, by phoning 559.278.2216 or online at www.csufresno.edu/Theatre. Phone and online ticket orders are subject to a service fee.