Diana of Dobsons
Diana of Dobson's is a romantic comedy in four acts by Cecily Hamilton ()[].
Contents
The original text
Diana of Dobson's is the title of both a 1908 feminist novel and play by Cicely Hamilton.
The play is called a romantic comedy about Diana, an underpaid worker in an Edwardian department store ('Dobson's') in Clapham. However it also critiques many contemporary social issues including sweated labour, homelessness, sexual double standards and the nature of marriage.
The play was first performed at the Kingsway Theatre, London, on 12 February, 1908, going on to popular and commercial success. In 1908 and 1909 four other companies toured Britain with the play, and productions took place in the USA, Australia and South Africa.
Translations and adaptations
The story was the basis for a 1917 silent film.
Performance history in South Africa
1909: Performed by Leonard Rayne and his company in the Opera House, Cape Town, in February.
Sources
F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1912. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: p.429
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