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Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  5w, 5m

By Edith Wharton
Adapted by Dawn Keeler

"Elegant...series of precisely staged and evocative dramatic tableaux." - The Guardian
"Deep, dark and powerful...[with] dramatic and tragic impact." - The News

Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature), Period
  • Suggested Use
    • UIL Approved
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Based on the classic story that helped to establish Edith Wharton as the first great American woman novelist, this moving play vividly brings to the stage Lily Bart's flamboyant progress through the glorious whirl of New York's high society, circa 1905, and her tragic fall. The satirical love story is staged as a series of flashbacks over her coffin. Faithful to Edith Wharton's distinct style of dialogue, this dramatic version opened to acclaim in London.

Performing Groups
  • Time Period Victorian (British and American)
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol

Media

"Elegant...series of precisely staged and evocative dramatic tableaux." - The Guardian

"Deep, dark and powerful...[with] dramatic and tragic impact." - The News

"There's actually not much mirth in this haunting, powerful play but there is desire, greed and tragedy to match all the greatest love stories...A winner." - Southern Daily Echo

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton was born on January 24, 1862, to a wealthy and prominent family in New York society. She began publishing short stories in the 1890s, and in 1897, she published her first book, “The Decoration of Houses,” written with Ogden Codman. She found success with the nov ...
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