George Dandin

George Dandin (full title George Dandin, ou Le Mari Confondu) is a dark comedy in three acts by Molière (1722-1773). It is popularly referred to simply as George Dandin by most commentators.

The original text
Based on Molière's own one act play La Jalousie du Barbouillé (performed circa 1660), the new text was originally written as a opera comique, and had its premiere at Versailles in July of 1668 followed by three performances at Saint- Germain-en-Laye in early November 1668. Stripped of the music and dance, the play went on be very successful ever since.

Translations and adaptations
Adapted into English as The Amorous Widow, or The Wanton Wife (a farce in two acts) by Thomas Betterton (1635?-1710). First performed under this title by Her Majesty's servants and published in London, 1710. Betterton's play was itself adapted again and first performed as Barnaby Brittle, or A Wife at Her Wit's End  at the Theatre-Royal, Covent-Garden. Published under that title in London by G. Kearsly, 1782.

Performance history in South Africa
1817: Performed in Betterton's English adaptation as Barnaby Brittle in the "The African Theatre" on 5 July by the Garrison Players, as afterpiece to The Merchant of Venice, with Captain Carter as "Shylock".

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