Trial by Jury
Three works coalled (or containing the title) Trial by Jury have been performed, or offered as performed readings, in the country.
Contents
Trial by Jury by Hook
Apparently a public lecture on the play was delivered by the actor and stage manager C. Bland in the Mechanic's Institute, Cape Town, in August of 1861.
Sources
F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1912. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: p. 102
Trial by Jury by Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)[1] and Arthur Gilbert (1836-1911)[2]
The original text
A comic opera in one act with a libretto by Gilbert, based on an earlier work he had done called Trial by Jury: An Operetta, a single-page parody written for the magazine Fun in 1868. The music for the collaborative piece was supplied by Sullivan. The work was described as "A Novel and Original Dramatic Cantata" in the original promotional material and tells of a "breach of promise of marriage" lawsuit in which the judge and legal system are the objects of lighthearted satire.
The operetta was first performed at the Royalty Theatre, London, on 25 March 1875, to great success.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
Performances by the various Gilbert and Sullivan societies
(See entries on each society for details):
The Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society: Staged in 1953, 1956, 1966, 1969, 1973, 1984 and 2006.
The Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan Society: Staged in 1954, 1955, 1971 and 1977.
Productions by other companies over the years
1995: Student production by the University of Witwatersrand in 1995. Directed by Fred Hagemann. A new orchestration - Walter Mony. Production designed by Carel van der Westhuizen. Assisted by Izak Hebler. Lighting design by Gerry Coughlan. With the Wits Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Walter Mony.
Sources
Theatre programme held by NELM: [Collection: FARMER, Anthony]: 2007. 18. 13. 1011. (1995 production).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_by_Jury
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