Diary of a Madman
Diary of a Madman is a one-man play by Nikolai Gogol (1809-1852).
Contents
The original text
Originally a short story about one man's descent into insanity,
Translations and adaptations
The English version of the short story was adapted for the stage by David Holman, Geoffrey Rush and Neil Armfield for the Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney, Australia, a production also presented at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in the United States and at the Quintessence Theater Group in Philadelphia PA.
Another version done by Durban-born Peter Prowse in co-operation with Gerald Wilson, was done for performance in South Africa.
Twice translated into Afrikaans, as Dagboek van 'n Gek by a member of SATS (1968) and as Dagboek van 'n Waansinnige by Roelf Laubscher (published as text by DALRO).
Performance history in South Africa
1968: Often performed by actors on tour in South Africa. Memorable versions include Durban-born Peter Prowse in his adaptation in co-operation with Gerald Wilson and performed at the Old Causerie, Hotel Edward, Durban, in 1968. Stage directing, lighting and sound by John Graf.
1968: Prowse performed this play in the President Hotel Bloemfontein as a dinner -theatre presentation.
1988: Directed for CAPAB Drama in association with Ady Theatre Company by Karoly Pinter, starring Ron Smerczak. Music composed by Willem Nel, costumes by Katia Hornchen.
2001: Diary of a Madman, Nikolai Gogol. (Dir) Michael Swinton, David Muller, Artscape, 2001.
Sources
Wikipedia [1].
Teater SA, 1(2), 1968.
Programme notes, 1988
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