A Day Well Spent

A Day Well Spent is a one-act play by John Oxenford (1812-1877)[1]

The original text

First performed at the Theatre Royal at the English Opera House on 4 April, 1835. Published by John Miller in 1836.

Translations and adaptations

The play was the original source for a number of theatrical works and films over the years, including Einen Jux will er sich machen (Nestroy, 1842), The Merchant of Yonkers (Wilder, 1938), The Matchmaker (Wilder, 1955), Hello Dolly! (Wilder, Herman and Stewart, 1964) and On the Razzle (Stoppard, 1981).

Performance history in South Africa

While neither Oxenford's play nor that of Nestroy appear to have been performed in South Africa, their indirect influence can be seen in performances of the various adaptations of them over the years.

For more details about South African performances of on the various adaptations, see the individual entries in ESAT

Go to ESAT Bibliography