The Initials
The Initials is a drama in two acts by an unknown author.
Contents
The original text
Most probably a dramatized version of the novel called The Initials: A Story of Modern Life[1] by Baroness Jemima Montgomery Tautphoeus (1807-1893)[2], published in London in 1850. Set in Bavaria, where the Irish-born authoress then lived, it was a tale of suspense with a happy dénouement about two contrasting German sisters. The novel became highly popular despite attracting little critical attention.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
1860: Performed as The Initials in the Cabinet Theatre, Cape Town, on 5 March by the company brought together by Charles Fraser, with Annie Rowlands as one of the cast. Also performed was The Child of the Regiment (Morton) and A Pair of Pigeons ().
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: p.127
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