MFA project features The Dumb Waiter 

 Francis Matheu is currently a candidate in the MFA Directing program and for his spring studio project Francis will be directing a scaled down presentation of The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter. 

The Dumb Waiter  centered around two hitmen, Gus and Ben, as they wait for their next
assignment in a basement of a former café reminiscent of a cheap motel. As they wait, some inconsistencies in the management style of the organization they work for are brought to attention and these realizations escalate from a simple inquiry into to an argument where their loyalty will be put to the test.

Francis comes to UVic from his native Philippines where he has been creating theatre since 2005. He is the founder and artistic director of Twin Bill Theatre where he is developing the Pamana Collection, an initiative to champion Filipino plays and playwrights that protect, preserve, and promote Filipino history and culture. It also aims to connect these stories with 2nd and 3rd generation Filipinos. Recently, Francis launched Find Your Light: Locked and Loaded to help raise funds for performing artists in Manila who have been affected by the lockdown.

Over the course of his MFA, Francis hopes to explore theatre that is politically charged and inspires social change. Francis will direct a play in the mainstage season in 2022-23. His play choice will be announced later this spring. 

The Dumb Waiter will run on March 23, 24, 25th 2022 at 12:45pm at the Phoenix Theatre in the Barbara McIntyre Studio.