Titres dans Divertissement et arts du spectacle

The Rover, or The Banishd Cavaliers, is a captivating play in two parts by the renowned English author Aphra Behn. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Carnival in Naples, the first part weaves together multiple storylines centered on the romantic escapades of a group of Englishmen. At the heart of the tale is Willmore, a charming but roguish naval captain who becomes infatuated with Hellena, a spirited young woman eager to explore love before her brother confines her to a convent. However, complications arise when Angellica Bianca, a celebrated courtesan, becomes enamored with Willmore and ...

Dive into the tenth volume of captivating one-act plays from the public domain, beautifully brought to life by a talented ensemble of LibriVox members. This collection features a variety of engaging characters and narratives, including the dramatic Mosada, the whimsical The Belles of Canterbury, and the thought-provoking The Proving of Abraham. Each play is narrated by skilled voices, ensuring a delightful listening experience that showcases the richness of theatrical storytelling. Join us for a journey through diverse themes, captivating performances, and the timeless art of drama!

Upton Sinclair, renowned for his groundbreaking novel The Jungle, also made significant contributions to the world of theater. In The Machine, part of Sinclairs 1912 collection Plays of Protest, a group of Socialist activists exposes a wealthy young womans sheltered life, revealing the harsh realities of the society she inhabits. Join us as we explore this thought-provoking drama that challenges the status quo and invites reflection on social justice. (Summary by wildemoose) Cast Julia Patterson, a magazine writer Elizabeth Klett; Jack Bullen, a parlor Socialist Dale Burgess; Laura Hegan, ...

Meet Scapin, the cunning trickster and manipulator who believes he can control the fates of those around him. In this delightful tale, he finds himself embroiled in a web of romantic intrigue as he strives to assist two secret lovers whose families are determined to keep them apart. Will his schemes lead to a happy ending, or will his meddling only complicate matters further? Join us for a whimsical journey filled with laughter, love, and unexpected twists!

Six Characters in Search of an Author (Sei personaggi in cerca dautore) is the renowned masterpiece by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello. In the preface, Pirandello reflects on the timeless nature of storytelling, likening it to Dante’s Inferno where characters like Francesca narrate their tales anew with each telling. The play revolves around six distinct characters, each with their own perception of reality, leading to a kaleidoscopic array of interpretations. No single character holds the absolute truth; rather, their identities are shaped by both their own experiences and the ...

In this engaging play, the author draws upon his own experiences as a recruiting officer, setting the scene in the charming town of Shrewsbury. He dedicates the work to all friends round the Wrekin, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality that transformed what could be a grueling recruiting service into a joyous adventure. The life of Farquhar, a man of many exploits, is rich with tales of mischief and mishaps—from his expulsion from Dublins college for irreverent wit to a near-tragic incident on stage with a real sword. As a successful dramatist and a beloved military figure, whether ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Shakespeare with our Wooing, Wedding, and Repenting collection, inspired by a memorable line from Much Ado About Nothing. This compilation features captivating scenes from some of Shakespeares most beloved plays, showcasing intimate dialogues between pairs of characters. Experience the artistry of language and emotion as performed by talented narrators, including Tiffany Halla Colonna, Winston Tharp, Algy Pug, Arielle Lipshaw, and Elizabeth Klett in Henry V and The Tempest. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

In Orange-Yellow Diamond, a struggling novelist finds himself caught in a web of intrigue as he seeks to make ends meet. His quest for a little extra cash plunges him into a captivating mystery filled with murder, theft, and unexpected romance. While the story explores complex themes, it does include some stereotypes of ethnic groups, presented not with malice but as a reflection of its time. Join us for a riveting journey through this tale of suspense and adventure, masterfully narrated by Linette Geisel and MaryAnn. (Summary by Linette Geisel)

On the evening of August 29th, 1922, an unsuspecting crowd of around six hundred New Yorkers found themselves on the brink of laughter as they experienced the uproarious spectacle of The Torch-Bearers. With a mix of average citizens, enthusiastic friends of the management, and a handful of sophisticated first-nighters, the play promised a night of unforgettable hilarity. How can you resist a production that elicits such a response? - Summary by ToddHW

Immerse yourself in a captivating anthology of ten one-act plays, featuring the creative genius of renowned authors such as David Belasco, Arnold Bennett, Hereward Carrington, Lewis Carroll, Lord Dunsany, John Galsworthy, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Maurice Maeterlinck, Anna Bird Stewart, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. This collection, expertly coordinated by Charlotte Duckett, Michele Eaton, Elizabeth Klett, Loveday, Piotr Nater, Algy Pug, Eden Rea-Hedrick, Todd, and Chuck Williamson, offers a diverse range of theatrical experiences that are sure to entertain and inspire. (Summary by Elizabeth ...

Step into a captivating twist on the classic tale of Cinderella! Set against the backdrop of World War I, this unique play combines familiar characters like the Godmother, royalty, and iconic glass slippers with a storyline that defies traditional fairy tale conventions. First produced on Broadway in 1916 and later adapted into a silent film in 1925, Kiss for Cinderella is a delightful journey that promises to surprise and entertain. - Summary by ToddHW

In 1895, Oscar Wilde faced conviction for gross indecency and was sentenced to two years of hard labor. This gripping account of his trials, meticulously compiled from the original shorthand court reports by an anonymous author, captures the sensational aspects often overlooked in later, more sanitized versions. Designed for a curious audience, this shorter narrative showcases Wildes poignant defense of the love that dare not speak its name, while a parade of handsome young men take the stand to share their compelling stories. Join us as we delve into the courtroom drama that forever changed ...

Dive into this captivating collection of ten one-act dramas showcasing the creative brilliance of playwrights such as James M. Barrie, Hereward Carrington, Marjorie Benton Cooke, Alice Gerstenberg, Susan Glaspell, George Cram Cook, St. John Hankin, George Middleton, David Pinski, Frederik Pohl, and an anonymous Japanese author. Coordinated by a talented team including Arielle Lipshaw, Availle, Chuck Williamson, Todd, Peter Yearsley, Caprisha Page, Charlotte Duckett, and Amanda Friday, this anthology promises engaging narratives and thought-provoking themes. (Summary by Arielle Lipshaw)

Dive into the enchanting world of piano education with Piano and Song. This captivating book blends conversation with instruction, illuminating the art of teaching, learning, and performing on the piano. Written by the father of Clara Schumann and the esteemed teacher of Robert Schumann, this delightful guide offers insights and inspiration for musicians of all levels. (Summary by SandraG)

Set against the backdrop of a small community during the Napoleonic Wars, Quality Street follows two spirited sisters who establish a school for local children when the towns doctor leaves to fight. A decade later, the doctor returns, expecting to seamlessly resume his former life, unaware of the vibrant changes that have taken place. This charming tale, infused with humor and heart, features Katharine Hepburn in a classic film adaptation from 1937. Interestingly, the beloved Quality Street chocolates were inspired by this enchanting play. - Summary by ToddHW

Experience the power of Shakespeares words with this captivating collection of monologues, presented by LibriVox readers. This ninth volume features 20 remarkable pieces drawn from the plays of the genius playwright, William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616), who is often hailed as the greatest playwright in history. His works span a variety of genres—tragedy, comedy, romance, and more—ensuring that each monologue offers something unique. Whether theyre poignant lessons, delightful humor, or moments of profound sadness, these monologues resonate differently with each listener...

In our 18th collection, weve curated 10 delightful One Act Plays that promise to entertain and provoke thought. From the comedic brilliance of Molières 1663 work to Percival Wildes 1922 creation, this anthology spans genres and eras. Expect everything from a whimsical Victorian romantic comedy to a high-stakes game of chess with lethal consequences. These short theatrical gems are designed to make you laugh, cry, think, or perhaps all three! (Please note that Flanner passed away in 1997 and Wilde in 1953, so these plays may not be in the public domain in some countries.) - Summary by ToddHW

Pippa Passes is a captivating blend of drama and poetry by Robert Browning, first published in 1841 as the inaugural volume of his Bells and Pomegranates series. Browning envisioned this work as a groundbreaking exploration of a young, innocent girl navigating the perilous streets of Asolo, untouched by the corruption surrounding her. Its release was met with significant controversy due to its candid depiction of various unsavory characters, particularly the adulterous Ottima, and its frank discussions on sexuality. One of the most memorable passages beautifully encapsulates the essence of ...

Noh (Nō), or Nogaku, is a captivating form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been enchanting audiences since the 14th century. Originating from the Sino-Japanese term for skill or talent, Noh was developed by the visionary duo Kanami and his son Zeami, making it the oldest major theatrical art still performed today. A traditional Noh performance typically features five Noh plays interspersed with comedic kyōgen pieces, though modern presentations often showcase a more abbreviated format of two Noh plays and one kyōgen. An okina play may open the performance, particularly during ...

Step into the world of August Strindbergs gripping one-act drama, Countess Julie, where social boundaries blur and passions ignite. Set against the backdrop of Midsummer Eve festivities, this intense tale unfolds between three characters Julie, a fervent young noblewoman; Jean, her ambitious fathers valet; and Kristin, the cook and Jeans fiancée. As the night unfolds, Julie and Jeans reckless intimacy leads to unforeseen and tragic consequences. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)