Henry Dunbar, or A Daughter's Trial

Henry Dunbar, or A Daughter's Trial is a melodrama in four acts by Tom Taylor (1817-1880)[1].

Sometimes referred to simply as Henry Dunbar

The original text

Founded on the novel Henry Dunbar: the Story of an Outcast by Elizabeth Braddon (London : J. Maxwell, 1864). The play's subtitle was changed by Taylor and the play was first produced as Henry Dunbar, or A Daughter's Trial at the Royal Olympic Theatre, London, under the management of Horace Wigan, on 9 December, 1865, and at Wallack's Theatre, New York, on 2 November, 1867. Published in London by Samuel French (Volume 1139 of French's acting edition) and in New York by Robert M. De Witt (Issue 8 of Witt's acting plays).

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

The play was performed with great success by the Disney Roebuck company in the Bijou Theatre in August and September of 1875. Miss Berenger was praised by critics for her role as the good but unhappy daughter.

1875: Performed in the Bijou Theatre, Cape Town, by Disney Roebuck and company on 21 August with as Miss Eily O'Connor (Byron).

1875: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Bijou Theatre, Cape Town, on 8 September, with Brown and the Brahmins (Reece).

1876: Performed by the Disney Roebuck company, temporarily led by C. Wilstone, on 18 April 1876 in the Athenaeum Hall, with Bowled Out (Craven).

1878: Performed by Disney Roebuck in December 1877, April 1878 in the Theatre Royal after his return from England.

1884-5: Performed by the Henry Harper Company in the new Theatre Royal, Cape Town, as part of Henry Harper's first season as lessee and manager of the venue.