The Momentous Question

The Momentous Question is a domestic drama, in two acts, by Edward Fitzball (1792-1873)[1].

Also found as The Momentous Question, or Woman's Devotion

The original text

Based on a story from George Crabbe's Tales of the Hall (1820), the play was first performed as The Momentous Question in the Lyceum Theatre, London , in 1844 and later in the Federal Street Theatre in Boston in 1847.

Published in Boston by W.V. Spencer, 1856.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1859: Performed as The Momentous Question by Charles Fraser and his company in the Cape Town Theatre, on 26 September, with act 1 of Richelieu (Bulwer-Lytton), The Croaker, or The Miseries of Human Life (Anon), and songs by F. Vernon and Miss Yates. The evening referred to as "Mr Fraser's Night".

1861: Performed as The Momentous Question by Sefton Parry and his company in the Theatre Royal, Cape Town, on 14 November, with Dominique the Deserter, or The Gentleman in Black (Murray) and a dance by Miss Powell. The evening a Benefit for Mr C. Bland.

1866: Performed as The Momentous Question, or Woman's Devotion by the Le Roy-Duret Company in the Harrington Street Theatre, Cape Town, on 29th March, with Captain Charlotte, or Hearts and Trumps (Stirling).

1876: Performed as The Momentous Question in the Theatre Royal, Burg Street, Cape Town by Disney Roebuck's company, under the temporary management of C. Wilstone, on 27 July, with The Sightless Bride (Anon.).

1876: Performed as The Momentous Question in the Theatre Royal, Burg Street, Cape Town by Disney Roebuck's company, under the temporary management of C. Wilstone, on 10 October, with Nemesis, or Not Wisely but Too Well (Farnie).