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 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] | + | 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. | ||
Revision as of 05:46, 10 December 2020
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.
2010: Produced by KickstArt productions starring Steven Stead in multiple roles.
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Irma_Vep
The Star 16 August 2000.
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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Return to PLAYS III: Collections
Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances
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