Difference between revisions of "Elizabeth: Almost by Chance a Woman"
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| − | '''''Elizabeth: Almost by Chance a Woman''''' is a play by [[Dario Fo]] (Italian title: ''Coppia aperta, quasi spalancata''). [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth:_Almost_by_Chance_a_Woman] | + | '''''Elizabeth: Almost by Chance a Woman''''' is a play by [[Dario Fo]] (Italian title: ''[[Coppia aperta, quasi spalancata]]''). [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth:_Almost_by_Chance_a_Woman] |
| + | ''Not to be confused with ''[[Elizabeth]]'' (Burnand), or ''[[Elizabeth I]]'' (Foster).'' | ||
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| + | == The original text == | ||
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The play takes place in the boudoir of Elizabeth I of England. In the midst of political upheaval aging Elizabeth is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her lover, the Earl of Essex, who is involved in an attempted coup d'etat against the queen. In order to prepare for this tryst, she has summoned her beautician, Dame Grosslady, who speaks primarily in grammelot. (Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth:_Almost_by_Chance_a_Woman]) | The play takes place in the boudoir of Elizabeth I of England. In the midst of political upheaval aging Elizabeth is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her lover, the Earl of Essex, who is involved in an attempted coup d'etat against the queen. In order to prepare for this tryst, she has summoned her beautician, Dame Grosslady, who speaks primarily in grammelot. (Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth:_Almost_by_Chance_a_Woman]) | ||
| − | + | In the original production the playwright himself played Queen Elizabeth I, while Dame Grosslady was played by Fo's wife [[Franca Rame]]. | |
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==Translations and adaptations== | ==Translations and adaptations== | ||
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Translated into English by Gillian Hanna, copyright 1987. | Translated into English by Gillian Hanna, copyright 1987. | ||
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| + | The English text published by Methuen Drama in ''Plays by Dario Fo'' (1997). | ||
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== Performance history in South Africa == | == Performance history in South Africa == | ||
Revision as of 05:44, 22 October 2019
Elizabeth: Almost by Chance a Woman is a play by Dario Fo (Italian title: Coppia aperta, quasi spalancata). [1]
Not to be confused with Elizabeth (Burnand), or Elizabeth I (Foster).
Contents
The original text
The play takes place in the boudoir of Elizabeth I of England. In the midst of political upheaval aging Elizabeth is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her lover, the Earl of Essex, who is involved in an attempted coup d'etat against the queen. In order to prepare for this tryst, she has summoned her beautician, Dame Grosslady, who speaks primarily in grammelot. (Wikipedia [2])
In the original production the playwright himself played Queen Elizabeth I, while Dame Grosslady was played by Fo's wife Franca Rame.
Translations and adaptations
Translated into English by Gillian Hanna, copyright 1987.
The English text published by Methuen Drama in Plays by Dario Fo (1997).
Performance history in South Africa
1996: Presented by CAPAB Drama in the Nico Arena, opening 11 March 1996. Directed by Christopher Weare, design by Michael Mitchell, lighting by Julian August. The cast: Robyn Scott (Elizabeth), Anthea Thompson (Martha), Neels Coetzee (Grosslady}, Nicholas Dallas (Egerton), Terence Bridgett (Young man), David Isaacs and Russell Boast (soldiers).
1997: Staged for CAPAB at the Grahamstown Festival in 1997, directed by Christopher Weare, with Robyn Scott (Elizabeth), Anthea Thompson (Martha), Neels Coetzee (Grosslady}, Nicholas Dallas (Egerton), Terence Bridgett (Young man), David Isaacs and Russell Boast (soldiers).
Presented at the Little Theatre, Cape Town, in 2009, directed by Christopher Weare starring Robyn Scott and Scott Sparrow.
Sources
Elizabeth theatre programme, 1996.
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