A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

God of Carnage

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  2w, 2m

By Yasmina Reza
Translated by Christopher Hampton

What happens when two sets of parents meet up to deal with the unruly behaviour of their children? Boys will be boys, but the adults are usually worse – much worse.

God of Carnage

Request licence
Get the Script
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades

  • Winner! Three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Play
    Winner! 2009 Olivier Award for Best Comedy

Details

Summary

This internationally acclaimed comedy takes you into the most dangerous place on Earth: parenthood. What happens when two sets of parents meet up to deal with the unruly behaviour of their children? A calm and rational debate between grown-ups about the need to teach kids how to behave properly? Or a hysterical night of name-calling, tantrums and tears before bedtime? Boys will be boys, but the adults are usually worse – much worse. Tony and Olivier Award-winning God of Carnage is a comedy of manners, without the manners.

History

God of Carnage premiered in the West End at the Gielgud Theatre on 25 March 2009. The play premiered on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre on 22 March 2009. The Broadway production, directed by Matthew Warchus, featured Jeff Daniels, Hope David, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden.

Keywords
Performing Groups
ALAN RALEIGH
ANNETTE RALEIGH
MICHAEL NOVAK
VERONICA NOVAK
  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting

    A living room. The present.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Satisfyingly primitive entertainment with an intellectual veneer.” – The New York Times

“A triumph! Brilliantly translated by Christopher Hampton.” – Daily Express

“Christopher Hampton’s punchy translation of Reza’s original French text.” – iNews

“Uproarious farce.” – The Stage

“I found myself delighted by Yasmina Reza’s incisive observation, her acerbic wit, her shrewd humour and her stunning cast.” – The Times

“Slick and punchy.” – Time Out

Photos

  • God of Carnage

    Image: 2009 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • God of Carnage

    Image: 2009 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Authors

Christopher Hampton

Christopher Hampton

Christopher Hampton became involved in theatre while studying French and German at Oxford University, and wrote a play in his first year.

The Royal Court's subsequent production was so successful that it transferred to the Comedy Theatre while he was still a student, making hi ...

View full profile
Author

Now Playing

Related