Trial by Jury
Trial by Jury is a comic opera in one act by Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)[1] and Arthur Gilbert (1836-1911)[2].
Contents
The original text
Gilbert's libretto was based on Trial by Jury: An Operetta, a single-page parody he had written for the magazine Fun in 1868 and the music for the collaborative piece was supplied by Sullivan. The work was described as "A Novel and Original Dramatic Cantata" in the original promotional material and tells of a "breach of promise of marriage" lawsuit in which the judge and legal system are the objects of lighthearted satire.
The operetta was first performed at the Royalty Theatre, London, on 25 March 1875, to great success.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
Performances by the various Gilbert and Sullivan societies
(See entries on each society for details):
The Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society: Staged in 1953, 1956, 1966, 1969, 1973, 1984 and 2006.
The Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan Society: Staged in 1954, 1955, 1971 and 1977.
Productions by other companies over the years
1995: Student production by the University of Witwatersrand in 1995. Directed by Fred Hagemann. A new orchestration - Walter Mony. Production designed by Carel van der Westhuizen. Assisted by Izak Hebler. Lighting design by Gerry Coughlan. With the Wits Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Walter Mony.
Sources
Theatre programme held by NELM: [Collection: FARMER, Anthony]: 2007. 18. 13. 1011. (1995 production).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_by_Jury
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