Bleak House is the name of a famous novel by Charles Dickens ()[], which was often dramatized.

The novel

The novel was first published as a 20-episode serial between March 1852 and September 1853. The novel has many characters and several sub-plots,

Dramatizations of Bleak House

Wikipedia mentions at least three 19th century adaptations for the stage, and a number of radio, film and TV versions in the 20th century. Undoubtedly there have ben many more.

Below we list only such versions as have been performed in South Africa.

Jo by J.P. Burnett

The original text

Written in 1876 by John Pringle Burnett ()[], the play focussed on the sympathetic key character of "Jo", the young boy who lives on the streets and tries to make a living as a crossing sweeper - probably written as a vehicle for his wife, Jennie Lee, who played "Jo" in the original production, and often afterwards.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history of the various adaptations in South Africa

1878: Burnett's play Jo performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Theatre Royal, Cape Town, from 8 to 13 April.

1894: According to Boonzaier (1923), an adaptation of Bleak House was performed by Arturo Bonamici and his company, starring Jenny Lee in the role of "Jo".

Sources

D.C. Boonzaier, 1923. "My playgoing days – 30 years in the history of the Cape Town stage", in SA Review, 9 March and 24 August 1932. (Reprinted in Bosman 1980: pp. 374-439.)

F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1912. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp.367, 400

Go to ESAT Bibliography