Shadowlands
A 1985 television film, written by William Nicholson [1], subsequently adapted for the stage. The play relates the story of shy Oxford don and children's author C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Gresham. Shadowlands shows how love, and the risk of loss, transformed this great man's relationships, even with God.
Contents
The original text
The play opened at the Queen's Theatre in London on 23 October 1989 [2].
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
1991: Presented at the Market Theatre in the Main Theatre, directed by Janice Honeyman starring Brian Murray as C.S. Lewis and Helen Bourne, Michael McCabe, Ron Smerzcak . This was a joint venture between The Company and Volute Productions. This production brought Honeyman the National Vita Award for Best Director. Lighting designed by Mannie Manim.
1991: Presented by the Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, directed by Janice Honeyman with cast changes: Brian Murray as C.S. Lewis, Shirley Johnston, John Carson as Warnie Lewis,also starring Michael McCabe, Ron Smerczak, Norman Coombes.
1993: Presented by the Baxter Theatre, directed by Keith Grenville opening 17 May, starring John Carson as C.S. Lewis and, among others, Norman Coombes (as Professor Riley).
Sources
Theatre programme (Market Theatre, 1991) held by NELM: [Collection: WILSON, Diane]: 2012. 18. 12. 5. 16.
Beeld 2 July 1991.
The Big Friendly Giant programme notes, 1993.
Tucker, 1997. 499.
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