Winter Journey

Winter Journey is a play by American playwright Clifford Odets (1906 - 1963), set in in the tough world of the American Theatre itself.

The original text

When the leading man pulls out of a play when it is in try-outs the director, Bernie Dodd persuades the backers to let Frank Elgin take over. Frank was once a matinee idol but has taken to drink. He blames his drinking on his wife Georgie he says that it is her neurotic nature and constant suicide attempts that led him to drink. Bernie is very hostile to Georgie. After some bad reviews Frank hits the bottle. Bernie tries to have Georgie sent home. It is then that he discovers that Frank had been lying to him. Frank is the neurotic suicide attempting one whilst Georgie tries her best to support him.

First produced Greenwich Mews Theatre, New York, 12 Mar 1968. Published by Samuel French Inc, New York.

Performance history in South Africa

1955: Produced by Anthony Farmer, his 12th production for the Johannesburg Repertory Players which took place between 26 July and 27 August 1955.

1967: Presented by CAPAB in the Hofmeyr Theatre, opening on 26 August 1967, directed by Frank Shelley. The cast were Don Bradshaw, Joey Wishnia, Phillip Boucher, Ken Leach, Cheryl Heath, Norman Ettlinger, Yvonne Bryceland, Gordon Sara. Set designed by Scott Robertson.

According to an announcement of forthcoming productions in The Beaux' Stratagem theatre programme, the director of the CAPAB production in 1967 was to have been Peter Curtis.

Produced by the Brian Brooke Company, date and venue unknown.

Sources

Doollee, the Playwright's database [1].

Material relating to Anthony Farmer's production held by NELM: [Collection: FARMER, Anthony]: 2007. 18. 11. 1. 14.

Photocopies of programmes for productions by the Brian Brooke Company held by NELM: [Collection: ASCH, Valda]: 2005. 65. 7. 11.

Winter Journey theatre programme, Capab 1967.

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