theatre

1y

#OTD in 1895.

The première of Oscar Wilde's comedy An Ideal Husband takes place at the Haymarket Theatre in London. In April, on the last day of the Haymarket run, Wilde was arrested for gross indecency; his name was removed from the playbills and programmes when the production transferred to the Criterion Theatre, where it ran for a further 13 performances, from 13 to 27 April.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Ideal_Husband

An Ideal Husband at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/885

#books #literature #theatre

Act II: Mrs Cheveley, centre, denounces Sir Robert Chiltern to his wife, 1895 premiere

Henry Wright (artist) - Illustrated London News, p. 44

"Mr. Oscar Wilde's New Play, 'An Ideal Husband', at the Haymarket Theatre": Mrs Chevely accuses Sir Robert

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

"There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt."
Torvald Helmer, Act I

#OTD in 1879.

The first production of Henrik Ibsen's controversial "modern drama" A Doll's House takes place at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen, after publication there on December 4.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Doll%27s_House

A Doll's House at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542

#books #literature #theatre

Adeleide Johannessen in character as Nora, from a cigarette card of c. 1880 – c. 1882.

Adeleide Johannessen is captured mid-action, holding a tambourine in her raised hand, evoking an energetic or defiant moment from her performance as Nora.

Her body language is dynamic, and her intense facial expression reflects the emotional depth and complexity of Nora's character, perhaps hinting at her journey of self-discovery and rebellion.

Johannessen wears a full-length Victorian-era dress, with detailed pleating, fitted bodice, and layered skirts that cinch at the waist with a decorative belt.

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

"We thought we believed in trial marriage. Nothing of the sort—trial separation! What marriage put asunder divorce has joined together."

#OTD in 1917.

Jesse Lynch Williams' Why Marry?, the first drama to win a Pulitzer Prize, opens at the Astor Theatre (New York).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Why_Marry%3F

Why Marry? at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35389

#books #literature #theatre #drama

Nat Goodwin, an unidentified actress and Leonard Mudie in the 1917 play Why Marry. Date stamped Sept. 28, 1918.

The play was a comedic exploration of the institution of marriage, written by Jesse Lynch Williams. The actors are likely dressed in early 20th-century attire, fitting the time period of the play's production. The image was stamped with the date September 28, 1918, indicating either the date of publication or archival cataloging. The scene captures a moment of dramatic or comedic interaction between the characters.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

"If there's any illness for which people offer many remedies, you may be sure that particular illness is incurable, I think."

#OTD in 1904.

Anton Chekhov's last play, The Cherry Orchard, opens at the Moscow Art Theatre directed by Constantin Stanislavski.

Written in 1903, it was first published by Znaniye, and came out as a separate edition later that year in Saint Petersburg, via A.F. Marks Publishers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cherry_Orchard

Cherry Orchard at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7986

#books #theatre

Scene from The Cherry Orchard, Moscow Art Theater, 1904. The MAT setting demonstrates a conscious attempt to avoid the stiffness and artificiality of the perfectly symmetrical box set. Variation of planes and glimpses into other rooms in the house continue the environment beyond the stage room and help to combat unintentional rigidity.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

"Nothing can come of nothing: speak again."

#OTD in 1838.

William Macready opens a performance of King Lear at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, London, restoring most of Shakespeare's original text, including the character of the Fool.

The restored character of the Fool was played by Priscilla Horton. And Helen Faucit's final appearance as Cordelia, dead in her father's arms, became one of the most iconic of Victorian images.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Lear

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1532

#books #theatre

Lear and Cordelia in Prison c1779 N 05189 B 53 Pen and watercolour 123×175 by William Blake.

It depicts a poignant scene from William Shakespeare’s King Lear, where the aging King Lear and his devoted daughter, Cordelia, are imprisoned together.

In this work, Blake captures the deep sorrow and tenderness between Lear and Cordelia. Lear, frail and distressed, appears to lean toward his daughter, who remains calm and resolute.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

"What seems to us serious, significant and important will, in future times, be forgotten or won’t seem important at all."

#OTD in 1901.

Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters premieres at Moscow Art Theatre in Russia under the direction of Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Sisters_(play)

Three Sisters at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7986

#books #literature #theatre

The front cover of the first edition of Three Sisters published 1901 by Adolf Marks, St Petersburg.

The cover is typically a muted, neutral color, such as beige or light brown, with black lettering.

The title, Три сестры, is prominently displayed in a classic Cyrillic typeface, along with the author's name, Антон Чехов (Anton Chekhov).

There are no elaborate illustrations or decorative elements on the front, aligning with the somber and introspective tone of the play.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

363d

#OTD in 1904.

J. M. Synge's tragedy Riders to the Sea is first performed at Molesworth Hall, Dublin, by the Irish National Theatre Society, with Helen Laird playing Maurya.

Synge's use of phrasing from the Irish language is part of the Irish Literary Revival, a period when Irish literature looked to encourage pride and nationalism in Ireland.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riders_to_the_Sea

Riders to the Sea at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/994

#books #literature #theatre

Sara Allgood photo taken by Carl Van Vechten, photographer.

Source: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?van:1:./temp/~ammem_Xnh9:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riders_to_the_Sea#/media/File:Sara_Allgood.jpg

The photograpgh captures the Irish actress in a dramatic and expressive pose. Van Vechten, known for his striking portrait photography, often utilized high contrast and deep shadows to emphasize the subject's character and presence.

In this image, Allgood's face is likely the focal point, showcasing her strong features, expressive eyes, and theatrical presence. The lighting and composition highlight the depth of her expression, giving a glimpse into her career as a stage and film actress.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

364d

"Hvad skal manden være? Sig selv, det er mit korte svar."
"What ought a man to be? Well, my short answer is ‘himself’."
Act IV

#OTD in 1876.

The stage première of the verse-play Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen (published 1867) with incidental music by Edvard Grieg, takes place in Christiania, Norway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_Gynt

Peer Gynt at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66239

In Norwegian at @runeberg-org.bsky.social
https://runeberg.org/peergynt/

#books #literature #theatre

Illustration for the folktale Per Gynt in the book Norske Folke og Huldre-Eventyr i udvalg ved P. Chr. Asbjørnsen. Andet oplag. 1896.

The artwork is a finely detailed black-and-white ink drawing that portrays a rugged outdoorsman standing on rocky terrain with two strong, wolf-like dogs.

He is dressed in traditional Norwegian peasant or hunter attire, wearing a hat, thick trousers, and boots.

A long rifle is slung over his shoulder, reinforcing his role as a hunter or traveler.

The background features a sparse, mountainous landscape with minimal vegetation, emphasizing the harsh and untamed environment that Per Gynt traverses.

Edited 363d ago

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

#OTD in 1920.

Beyond the Horizon, Eugene O'Neill's second full-length play, opens with a Morosco Theatre matinée in New York City, partly as a producer's experiment and partly to quiet the actor Richard Bennett, who sought to play the lead. Reviewers hail the play and O'Neill gains fame. It won the 1920 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyond_the_Horizon_(play)

Beyond the Horizon at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58569

#books #literature #theatre

First edition cover of Beyond The Horizon.

The book has a simple yet classic design, with an orange dust jacket and black text. The title, Beyond The Horizon, is prominently displayed at the top in bold font.

Below the title, there is a quote that reads, "Can You Recall More Enthusiastic Comment Than This?" followed by a passage praising the significance and dramatic power of the play.

The book cover contains additional text describing the play as an "absorbing, significant, and memorable tragedy" and highlights Eugene O'Neill’s dramatic skill.

Towards the bottom, the author’s name, Eugene O'Neill, is displayed along with a mention of his previous work, The Moon of the Caribbees.

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

#OTD in 1886.

The first performance of William Gillette's American Civil War drama Held by the Enemy is held at the Criterion Theater, Brooklyn, New York.

The play was a major step toward modern theater, in that it abandoned many of the crude devices of 19th-century melodrama and introduced realism into the sets, costumes, props, and sound effects.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Gillette

William Gillette at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/38243

#books #literature #theatre

Portrait of William Gillette, stage actor

Warner, Hartford - Storms, A. D. , ed. (1901) The Players Blue Book, Worcester, Mass: Sutherland & Storms

He is dressed in formal 19th-century theatrical or gentleman’s attire, possibly including a high-collared coat, waistcoat, and cravat.

Given the style of actor portraits of that era, he have a composed, dignified expression, gazing slightly away from the camera to convey a sense of character and gravitas.

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

#OTD in 1869.

Booth's Theatre opens on Manhattan with the owner, Edwin Booth, playing the male lead in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Some reports said it was one of the most elaborate productions of Romeo and Juliet ever seen in America; it was certainly the most popular, running for over six weeks and earning over $60,000 (equivalent to $1,000,000 in 2023).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_and_Juliet

Romeo and Juliet at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/1513

#books #literature #theatre

An 1870 oil painting of Romeo and Juliet by Ford Madox Brown depicting the play's balcony scene.

In the painting, Juliet leans over a stone balcony, dressed in a flowing, golden-yellow gown, her expression a mix of longing and affection.

Romeo, clad in a deep red tunic, clings to the balcony’s edge, gazing up at her with passionate devotion.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

338d

#OTD in 1920.

Federico García Lorca's first play, The Butterfly's Evil Spell (El maleficio de la mariposa) is poorly received at its première in Madrid.

With only four performances, very poorly received by the public, including booing, it was a total failure for its author. The text, written in verse, is a parable about frustration, love and death; recurring themes in Lorca's work.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Butterfly%27s_Evil_Spell

Garcia Lorca at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/56772

#books #literature #theatre

Federico García Lorca. Huerta de San Vicente, Granada

Anónimo - https://www.museoreinasofia.es/coleccion/obra/federico-garcia-lorca-huerta-san-vicente-granada

He is shown smiling warmly, creating an inviting and expressive presence. His hair is neatly combed back, and he is wearing a dark shirt or jacket with an open collar.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

357d

#OTD in 1924.

Seán O'Casey's drama Juno and the Paycock opens at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. It is set in the working-class tenements of Dublin in the early 1920s, during the Irish Civil War period.

It is the second of his "Dublin Trilogy" – the other two being The Shadow of a Gunman (1923) and The Plough and the Stars (1926).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_and_the_Paycock

#books #literature #drama #theatre

Poster for the 1930 film “Juno and the Paycock” (alternate title “The Shame of Mary Boyle”).

Since it was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on Seán O’Casey’s acclaimed play, the poster have been designed in the early sound era’s style, featuring bold typography and theatrical imagery.

A strong central image, possibly depicting key characters like Juno Boyle (a struggling mother) and Captain Boyle (her irresponsible husband).

A somber or dramatic color scheme reflecting the film’s serious tone.

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

306d

Happy birthday Shakespeare (born #OTD in 1564)!

#OTD in 1932. To mark Shakespeare's birthday:

The Royal Shakespeare Company's new theatre opens at Stratford-upon-Avon.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Shakespeare_Company

The Folger Shakespeare Library opens in Washington, D.C.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folger_Shakespeare_Library

Shakespeare at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/65

#books #literature #theatre

Artistic depiction of the Shakespeare family, late 19th century

Perine, George Edward, 1837-1885, printmaker. - engraved for the Eclectic by Perine & Giles.

Illustration of William Shakespeare reciting his play Hamlet to his family. His wife, Anne Hathaway, is sitting in the chair on the right; his son Hamnet is behind him on the left; his two daughters Susanna and Judith are on the right and left of him. (Hamnet shown younger than his twin, Judith, as he had died a few years before Hamlet was written).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare#/media/File:Shakespeare's_family_circle.jpg

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

#OTD in 1896.

While Oscar Wilde is in prison, his play Salome (written in 1891) is premièred in its original French by Lugné-Poe's Théâtre de l'Œuvre company in Paris, perhaps at the Comédie-Parisienne. Because the play depicted biblical characters it was banned in Britain and was not performed publicly there until 1931.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salome_(play)

Salomé at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1339

#books #literature #theatre

Illustration by Aubrey Beardsley for the first English edition of the play (1894).

The image depicts Salomé holding the severed head of John the Baptist (also known as Jokanaan) on a platter.

She gazes at it with a mixture of fascination and satisfaction, while dark liquid (presumably blood) drips from the head onto the pedestal below.

Her elaborate gown, accessories, and stylized hair reflect the Art Nouveau aesthetic, infused with Beardsley’s signature decadence and eroticism.

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

#OTD in 1889.

Henrik Ibsen's symbolic drama The Lady from the Sea (1888) receives simultaneous first performances in Oslo (in Norwegian) and Weimar (in German). The drama introduces the character of Hilde Wangel who is again portrayed in Ibsen's later play The Master Builder.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lady_from_the_Sea

The Lady from the Sea at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2765

#books #literature #theatre

Dining room in the house of Dr. Vangel. 1905 Sketch of the scenery for Ibsen's drama “Daughter of the Sea” State Central Theater Museum named after A.A.Bakhrushin. A.A.Bakhrushin State Central Theater Museum.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

1y

"Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe;
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law."
King Richard, scene iii

#OTD in 1817.

Junius Brutus Booth makes his stage debut in the title role of Shakespeare's Richard III at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in London.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_III_(play)

Richard III at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/1503

#books #literature #theatre

Junius Booth, half-length portrait, three-quarters to the left, in theatrical costume, ca. 1850

Daguerrotype by Mathew Brady. Library of Congress, Daguerrotype Collection, reproduction number LC-USZ62-110129.)

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

349d

#OTD in 1851.

The first performance of Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi takes place in Venice. The Italian libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse by Victor Hugo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigoletto

Le Roi s'amuse at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29549

#books #literature #theatre

Set design for act "IV" (III as normally counted) of Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. (For the production of the Théâtre national de l'Opéra at the Palais Garnier that opened 27-02-1885).

A rustic, slightly decrepit inn or house by a lakeside or riverbank, surrounded by dense trees. The building is shown in a cross-section, revealing two levels.

A warmly lit bedroom where a woman stands holding a torch or candle near a reclining figure on a bed—suggestive of the characters Maddalena and the Duke in Rigoletto.

A dimly lit interior room with a few figures around a table—possibly representing Sparafucile (the assassin) and other characters in the plot’s unfolding.

The scene is bathed in moonlight with dark clouds, creating a dramatic chiaroscuro between the natural night and the warm indoor light.

1 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

346d

#OTD in 1889.

August Strindberg's naturalistic drama Miss Julie (Fröken Julie), 1888, is first performed, by the Scandinavian Experimental Theater at the University of Copenhagen. His wife Siri von Essen plays the title rôle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Julie

Miss Julie at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14347

#books #literature #theatre

Photograph of the first production of Miss Julie at The People's Theatre in November 1906.

Unknown photographer, 1906 - Strindberg and the Five Senses, bu Hans-Goran Ekman.

On the left, a woman dressed in traditional servant attire appears to be engaged in a kitchen task, emphasizing the play’s working-class setting.

In the center-right, a woman in a long white dress (likely portraying Miss Julie) is interacting closely with a man in a formal suit (likely the character Jean), highlighting the tension and intimacy central to the plot.

The set design features modest furniture, utensils hanging on the wall, and exposed wooden beams, reflecting the realistic and detailed staging typical of early 20th-century naturalist theatre.

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

310d

Time Travel

What do we hold fast, what do we let go? The question, like a living being, hovers onstage in The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov.

By Cynthia Zarin

https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2025/04/18/time-travel/

The Cherry Orchard at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7986

#books #literature #theatre

Scene from The Cherry Orchard, Moscow Art Theater, 2001. The MAT setting demonstrates a conscious attempt to avoid the stiffness and artificiality of the perfectly symmetrical box set. Variation of planes and glimpses into other rooms in the house continue the environment beyond the stage room and help to combat unintentional rigidity.

Alexander Bakshy - The Path of the Modern Russian Stage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cherry_Orchard#/media/File:The_Cherry_Orchard_MAT.jpg

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

270d

Hey, some fun news! Sir Ian McKellen is headlining an all #trans and #nonbinary reading of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It’s a delightful play with much playing with #gender and the understanding of it. I’m very excited and am buying livestream tickets. 🥰

#theatre #arts #plays #Shakespeare #yay #GoodNews

(Edit to add hashtags)

https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/sir-ian-mckellen-to-open-historic-all-trans-and-nonbinary-production-of-twelfth-night-484397/

Edited 270d ago

0 0 1 View Post & Replies See Original

230d

The young Oscar Wilde’s Russian revolutionary drama reveals a playwright divided

Vera; or, The Nihilists concerns a plot to kill a tsar but after Alexander II was assassinated, its London premiere was cancelled. Now receiving a rare production, it captures his conflict between ethics and aesthetics

By Michael Billington

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/jul/07/oscar-wilde-russian-revolutionary-drama-vera-or-the-nihilists

Vera; or, The Nihilists at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26494

#Books #Literature #Theatre

Oscar Wilde by Napoleon Sarony.

Wilde is dressed in stylish, somewhat flamboyant attire—a velvet jacket, knee breeches, silk stockings, and often holding a soft hat or a cane, embodying the dandy aesthetic.

Wilde’s longish, wavy hair frames his face, emphasizing his androgynous beauty and poetic persona.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wilde#/media/File:Oscar_Wilde_by_Napoleon_Sarony._Three-quarter-length_photograph,_seated.jpg

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

227d

Waiting for Godot Has Been Translated Afrikaans

What took so long?

By: Rick de Villiers

https://theconversation.com/waiting-for-godot-has-been-translated-into-afrikaans-what-took-so-long-257345

#Books #Translation #Theatre

Samuel Beckett in 1977

Roger Pic - Bibliothèque nationale de France

Beckett is shown seated, facing slightly to the left, though his intense gaze looks directly into the camera.

His hair is brushed up into a soft, slightly disheveled silver crown, emphasizing his high forehead.

He wears a simple, dark jacket over a sweater or turtleneck.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Beckett#/media/File:Samuel_Beckett,_Pic,_1_(cropped).jpg

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

240d

Vintage Posters for The Royal Court Theatre

Founded by the English Stage Company (ESC in 1956), London's Royal Court Theatre focuses on contemporary theatre - and great posters

By Sheldon D.

https://flashbak.com/posters-for-the-royal-court-476550/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=posters-for-the-royal-court

English theatre at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=english+theatre

#Books #Literature #Theatre

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

208d

Was The Importance of Being Earnest the most scandalous opening run of all time? How Oscar Wilde’s greatest play kicked off his tragic fall from grace

By Ben Jureidini

https://www.tatler.com/article/the-importance-of-being-earnest-opening-run-scandal

The Importance of Being Earnest at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/844

#Books #Literature #Theatre

Jack (George Alexander) tells Gwendolen (Irene Vanbrugh) the address of his country house, while Algernon (Allan Aynesworth) secretly overhears.

Alfred Ellis - The Sketch, p. 412

Scene in Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest, original production

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Importance_of_Being_Earnest#/media/File:Importance-Act-1-Jack-Gwendolen-Algernon.png

0 0 0 View Post & Replies See Original

Previous Page Next Page