A Bill of Divorcement

A Bill of Divorcement is a 1921 play written by English novelist and playwright Clemence Dane, pseudonym of Winifred Ashton (1888-1965) Full-length. Cast: mixed.

A hugely successful problem drama dealing sympathetically with divorce on the grounds of insanity, based on her own novel Legend (1917). A man escapes from an insane asylum after seven years and attempts to reunite with his wife. The law protects her despite the judgement of conservative friends and family.

The original text
First published by Heinemann, 1921.

Translations and adaptations
Afrikaans translation by Ds C.J. Mynhardt: Haar Egskeiding.

Performance history in South Africa
First produced in English in South Africa by **, also by the Worcester Social and Dramatic Club (dir. Leoni Pienaar, 193*?) **

Performed by the André Huguenet Company in Afrikaans in 193*, the same year that the sound film of Dane's play was being shown in the country.

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