Difference between revisions of "The Mystery of Irma Vep"
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== The original text == | == The original text == | ||
| − | It is a satire of several theatrical, literary and film genres, including Victorian melodrama, farce, the penny dreadful, ''Wuthering Heights'' and the Alfred Hitchcock film ''Rebecca'' (1940). | + | The play is written for two actors who, between them, play eight characters of both sexes. It is a satire of several theatrical, literary and film genres, including Victorian melodrama, farce, the penny dreadful, ''Wuthering Heights'' and the Alfred Hitchcock film ''Rebecca'' (1940)[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Irma_Vep]. The title is an anagram for the word "vampire" and is taken from the name of a character in the silent film serial ''Les Vampires'' (Louis Feuillade, 1915)[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Vampires] |
First produced by Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, opening off-off-Broadway in New York City's Greenwich Village in September 1984 and closing in April 1986. | First produced by Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, opening off-off-Broadway in New York City's Greenwich Village in September 1984 and closing in April 1986. | ||
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2000: Directed by [[Alan Swerdlow]] at the [[Rex Garner Theatre]] starring [[Malcolm Terrey]]. Set by [[Denis Hutchinson]]. | 2000: Directed by [[Alan Swerdlow]] at the [[Rex Garner Theatre]] starring [[Malcolm Terrey]]. Set by [[Denis Hutchinson]]. | ||
| − | 2007 Produced by [[KickstArt]] productions. | + | 2007 Produced by [[KickstArt]] productions, designed and directed by [[Greg King]], with [[Michael Gritten]] and [[Steven Stead]]. The piece enjoyed two successful seasons in 2007 at the [[Seabrooke's Theatre]] and at the ''[[Hilton Arts Festival]]''. |
| − | 2010: Produced by [[ | + | 2010: Produced at [[The Heritage Theatre]] in Hillcrest, running from 13 to 25 July. Once more designed and directed by [[Greg King]], with [[Michael Gritten]] and [[Steven Stead]]. |
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Irma_Vep | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Irma_Vep | ||
| − | ''The Star'' 16 August 2000. | + | ''[[The Star]]'' 16 August 2000. |
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| + | http://news.artsmart.co.za/2010/07/mystery-of-irma-vep.html | ||
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| + | http://www.heritagetheatre.co.za | ||
Go to [[ESAT Bibliography]] | Go to [[ESAT Bibliography]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:03, 8 November 2024
The Mystery of Irma Vep is a play in three acts by Charles Ludlam (1943-1987).
Contents
The original text
The play is written for two actors who, between them, play eight characters of both sexes. It is a satire of several theatrical, literary and film genres, including Victorian melodrama, farce, the penny dreadful, Wuthering Heights and the Alfred Hitchcock film Rebecca (1940)[1]. The title is an anagram for the word "vampire" and is taken from the name of a character in the silent film serial Les Vampires (Louis Feuillade, 1915)[2]
First produced by Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, opening off-off-Broadway in New York City's Greenwich Village in September 1984 and closing in April 1986.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
1993: Presented by NAPAC Drama directed by Greg King starring David Dennis in 1993. The production won the Durban Theatre Awards award for Best Production in 1994.
2000: Directed by Alan Swerdlow at the Rex Garner Theatre starring Malcolm Terrey. Set by Denis Hutchinson.
2007 Produced by KickstArt productions, designed and directed by Greg King, with Michael Gritten and Steven Stead. The piece enjoyed two successful seasons in 2007 at the Seabrooke's Theatre and at the Hilton Arts Festival.
2010: Produced at The Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest, running from 13 to 25 July. Once more designed and directed by Greg King, with Michael Gritten and Steven Stead.
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Irma_Vep
The Star 16 August 2000.
http://news.artsmart.co.za/2010/07/mystery-of-irma-vep.html
http://www.heritagetheatre.co.za
Go to ESAT Bibliography
Return to
Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays
Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays
Return to PLAYS III: Collections
Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances
Return to South African Festivals and Competitions
Return to The ESAT Entries
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