Une Existence Décolorée

Une Existence Décolorée ("a colourless existence") is a French one-act "comédie-vaudeville" by M.A. Lefranc (Auguste Lefranc, 1814–1878)[1].

The original text

First performed at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, Paris, on 7 November, 1847 and published by Beck, Paris, in 1847.

Translations and adaptations

Adapted into English from the French as a farce in one act called A Blighted Being by Tom Taylor (1817-1880)[2]. The play was first performed at the Royal Olympic Theatre, London, on 16 November, 1854. Published by T.H. Lacy, 1854 and as Issue 244 of French's minor drama.

Performance history in South Africa

1858: Performed in English as A Blighted Being by the Charles Fraser company and a company of amateurs in the Cape Town Theatre on 27 December, with Mr Leslie in the lead as "Job Wort". Also played were The Irish Tutor (Butler) and The Spectre Bridegroom (Moncrieff).

1860: Performed in English as A Blighted Being by the Sefton Parry company in the Cape Town Theatre on 3 January, with The Babes in the Wood, or Harlequin and the Cruel Uncle! (Taylor).