The Hesston College Theatre Department will present four public performances of the fable “Fools,” directed by Rachel Jantzi, Oct. 27 to 30, in the Helmuth Studio Theatre in Keim Center on the Hesston College campus.

“Fools,” by Neil Simon, set in the small village of Kulyenchikov, Ukraine, during the late 19th century, tells the story of schoolteacher Leon Tolchinsky who accepted an assignment to instruct the village doctor’s daughter. He quickly discovers Kulyenchikov is a village noted primarily for the stupidity of its residents, due to a curse placed on the villagers generations earlier.

The village has grown accustomed to the unintelligent events, like not knowing how to open a door, but change is imminent when the young Leon arrives at the Zubritsky home and carries out his first lesson with Sophia.

The 2016-17 theatre lineup is centered on “a season of laughter,” and the cast of 11 students, with a tech crew of eight additional students, will be sure to have the audience full of laughter.

“The best comedy is taken very seriously,” says director Rachel Jantzi. “I want our student-actors to experience the challenge of pulling off a comedic show, and not just comedic, completely ridiculous. We are all witnessing a different breed of ridiculousness right now as we watch this current political circus. I thought it would be nice to engage in some foolishness without risk or the maliciousness that we have been exposed to recently. I want the audience to feel free to laugh together and enjoy a show with no real agenda, other than to entertain.”

Show times are at 7 p.m. Oct. 27, 28 and 29, and 2 p.m. Oct. 30. The play is rated G, running 90 minutes excluding intermission, and is suitable for the whole family.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore in person, by phone at 620-327-8105 or online. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets will also be available at the door 45 minutes prior to show time and are subject to availability.