The Gioconda Smile

The Gioconda Smile is a play in three acts by English writer, novelist and philosopher Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), a Huxley short story and film before becoming a play. Opened at the Lyceum Theater, New York City, October 7, 1950. After 41 performances, the play went on tour. Produced and staged by Shepard Traube. Published by Samuel French, 1948.

Performance history in South Africa
1949: Directed by Leonard Schach for the Brian Brooke Company at the Hofmeyr Theatre, January 1949. Decor by Frank Graves. In the cast were Lawrence Ayris, Petrina Fry, George Moore, June Shaw.

1950: Presented by Simon Freeman at the Library Theatre in August, starring Elizabeth Keyser, Fey Titmus, Simon Freeman, Leon Nieman.

1953: In 1953 the play was directed for the Johannesburg Repertory Society by Minna Schneier who was replaced by Shirley Wakefield when she left to give birth to her daughter Cara.

Translations and adaptations
It was translated into Afrikaans by A.J.B. de Klerk as Die Glimlag van 'n Vrou and produced by K.A.T. in March 1950 under the direction of Helene de Klerk and Marguerite I. Murray. Translated text available at the Stellenbosch University Library, Manuscripts Section. Reference 31/18.

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