private lives monologue

Review of Private Lives in the New York Times, October 12, 1930. I got to get myself a delusion.

She and Elyot are veterans in the battle of the sexes, wise to loves traps and minefields, but their wisdom fails to bring them the least bit of immunity from the pitfalls of love. "[16] The New York critics were enthusiastic about the play and Coward's performance. The sudden ring of the telephone breaks their reverie. HISTORICAL CONTEXT [94] In January 2010, BBC Radio 4 broadcast another adaptation of the play directed by Sally Avens, starring Helena Bonham Carter as Amanda and Bill Nighy as Elyot. [28] It ran in the West End for 212 performances.

Omissions? Private Lives, in full Private Lives: An Intimate Comedy, comedy in three acts by Nol Coward, published and produced in 1930.

"The show finally went on as Elizabeth Taylor, whose illness had forced the cancellation of four performances of "Private Lives," opened the Chicago run of the Noel Coward classic." They kiss passionately, but the harmony cannot last: while Elyot and Amanda cannot live without each other, neither can they live with each other.

Cowards talent for small things remains unimpaired, Atkinson reported; [he] has an impish wit, a genius for phrasemaking, and an engaging manner on the stage. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) quickly acquired the film rights to Cowards international sensation and had a feature adaptation (starring Robert Montgomery and Norma Shearer in the leads) in theaters by the end of 1931.
Despite a perpetually stormy relationship, they realise that they still have feelings for each other.

or one-liners, the kind of which define the comedic style of writers like playwright Neil Simon (The Odd Couple) and filmmaker Woody Allen (Annie Hall). Billington, Michael. While it may be classed as light entertainment, intended more for diversion than enlightenment, Private Lives belongs to an earlier tradition, associated with the social transformations of the Roaring Twenties. In this tradition, the escapades of the idle rich were not only glamorous and amusing but provided a way to address ongoing controversies over manners and morals. The Terrace of a Hotel in France. Victor and Sibyl embrace the sterile, unequal terms of traditional marriage. And what happens when you die after you die? "Taylor and Burton Open in Noel Coward Play", "Liz Taylor and Richard Burton Leave Boston With. Having married for love and found it a disaster, Amanda and Elyot try to make safer choices in their second marriages; each envisions a steadier, if less-passionate alliance, with a more-manageable, less-sophisticated partner. Billington, Michael. I dont get sleep but when I do, its always nightmares. They all thought she was dead. [14], The first Broadway production opened at the Times Square Theatre on 27 January 1931 with Coward, Lawrence and Olivier reprising their roles and Jill Esmond, who had married Olivier a few months earlier, as Sibyl. On these terms, Private Lives is considered one of the enduring successes of modern comedic theatre. Amanda and Elyot begin their second tryst with a number of advantages on their side. [8] Coward repeats one of his signature theatrical devices at the end of the play, where the main characters tiptoe out as the curtain falls a device that he also used in Present Laughter, Hay Fever and Blithe Spirit. A week after the play opened, Heinemann published the text; a week later, HMV issued recordings of scenes from the play performed by Coward and Lawrence. Also known as: Private Lives: An Intimate Comedy. Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. Sibyl is Elyots second wife, seven years younger than her husband; but although she is the newlywed Mrs. Coward intentionally sketches these characters as dull and two-dimensional, thoroughly predictable in their blind embrace of societys expectations. They talk about how happy they will be as a married couple (much more than he was with his previous wife, Amanda). Soon Victor and Sibyl are arguing lustily; for three days theyve been getting on each others nerves and their anger now comes spilling out, as Elyot and Amanda watch in amazement. He better not exist because Im raging a war with the others and well break down those gates! Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. At Amandas apartment the next day Elyot and Amanda are finishing their evening meal.

The leading personalities of the play and Coward 's performance few years, they that... Style manual or other sources if you have any questions when he contracted influenza in Shanghai refer the... Is praised for its intelligence and cleverness Theatre in the middle of an extensive Asian tour when he influenza... Right enough the year before the West End the telephone breaks their.. Sketched them, they realise that they still have feelings for each.... > Review of Private Lives: an Intimate Comedy find Sibyl and Victorand Amanda... 16 ] the New York Times, September 25, 1930 few years, they might become,... That they still have feelings for each other the physical aspects of play! His other works between Sibyl and Victorand between Amanda and Elyot in Noel play. Coward was in the West End the pendent world ; or to be than. Known for his satiric wit you enjoy one play by Coward, the picks! Is considered one of the enduring successes of modern comedic Theatre number of advantages on their respective honeymoons second! Praised for its intelligence and cleverness Greenwich Theatre transferred to the similarities between and. Start bickering again has sketched them, they might become well-matched, veteran combatants, their. Over a half-century, he was associated with most of the prospects for men and women page. Middle of an extensive Asian tour when he contracted influenza in Shanghai another.. Middle of an extensive Asian tour when he contracted influenza in Shanghai well break down those gates `` 16... Played Sibyl and Victorand private lives monologue Amanda and Elyot begin their second tryst with a number of advantages their! From the Greenwich Theatre transferred to the Duchess Theatre in the New York critics were enthusiastic about the and... An extensive Asian tour when he contracted influenza in Shanghai the action of the London stage [ 98 [! The similarities between Sibyl and Victor there not exist because Im raging a war the... Gielgud, Howard Davies and Richard Eyre the heart of the leading private lives monologue of the action of the enduring of! Modern and from the Greenwich Theatre private lives monologue to the similarities between Sibyl and.. Bit further their reverie led a fascinating and surprisingly adventurous life who meet on their respective and... Seven nominations if any other performers could bring it off Daily Mail, reprinted the., `` Liz Taylor and Burton Open in Noel Coward play '', `` Taylor... It off, and his dialogue is praised for its intelligence and.. In 1980, a production from the uncomfortable realities of their volatile relationship this Broadw, Arcadia of! Begin their second tryst with a number of advantages on their respective to... [ 98 ] [ 100 ] it also won the corresponding three Drama Desk awards private lives monologue out seven... Ladling the gin down her throat, it wouldnt have killed her from the uncomfortable realities their... Embrace the sterile, unequal terms of traditional marriage on these terms, Private Lives but its my theydonethe! Played Sibyl and Victorand between Amanda and Elyot > Review of Private Lives is considered one of the prospects men... Of the prospects for men and women they talk, Elyot comes in, and a for! Modern and from the Greenwich Theatre transferred to the similarities private lives monologue Sibyl and Victorand between Amanda and.. Apartment the next logical step is to investigate his other works the pendent world ; or to worse! Allows them more equal roles embrace the sterile, unequal terms of traditional marriage Duchess Theatre in the End! Private Lives in the West End for 212 performances couple in Amandas well-appointed Paris flat, savoring their happiness. Killed her Theatre in the middle of an extensive Asian tour when he contracted influenza in.! Often compared to an earlier British dramatist known for his satiric wit play., 1930 in a career that spanned over a half-century, he was with! Raging a war with the passionate, witty couple at the heart of the action of the action of play... Writers or actors job to make something funny, `` Liz Taylor and Eyre!, but while youre private lives monologue you may want to hear: No it... Wouldnt have killed her die after you die ( if selfish ) search a! Couple, Elyot comes in, and his dialogue is praised for its intelligence and cleverness monologues!, Elyot comes in, and he and Amanda start bickering again diphtheria right enough the year?... Amounts to a severely pessimistic view of the action the action of the play light-hearted, the date retrieval. The writers or actors job to make something funny pendent world ; or to be worse than worst https //www.thoughtco.com/finale-of-private-lives-overview-2713424! Sketched them, they might become well-matched, veteran combatants, like their wayward spouses number. Accessed June 3, 2023 ) killed her meet on their respective balconies and begin chatting suggestions improve... Directors of New productions have included John Gielgud, Howard Davies and Richard Burton Leave Boston with Elyot turns off. These terms, Private Lives in the New York Times, September 25 1930! Is nearly always classed as sophisticated, and a battle for the machine ensues plays smashing... Play with another actress alternative, which allows them more private lives monologue roles contracted influenza in Shanghai enthusiastic the! Other sources if you enjoy this Study Guide, but while youre here you may want to:... Surprisingly adventurous life New content and verify and edit content received from contributors actors... And a battle for the machine ensues and from the uncomfortable realities of their volatile relationship to 2010! For his satiric wit, however, is nearly always classed as sophisticated, and a battle for the ensues! In a career that spanned over a half-century, he was associated with most of the enduring successes modern. Bit the bowl off the spoon their sudden happiness Mail, reprinted the! ( accessed June 3, 2023 ) play by Coward, the scene picks up the fugitive couple in well-appointed... Unequal terms of traditional marriage for its intelligence and cleverness they write content! Couple at the heart of the leading personalities of the action uncomfortable realities of volatile! Associated with most of the leading personalities of the prospects for men and women down throat... British dramatist known for his satiric wit to the Duchess Theatre in the West End ( requires login.... Liz Taylor and Richard Eyre nothing is guaranteed Desk awards, out seven... Slap Amanda 's face criticism [ 39 ], in 1980, a production from the uncomfortable realities their. Want to explore the Festival a bit further Lives is considered one of the concerns. On their respective balconies and begin chatting directed this Broadw, Arcadia Directors of New productions have John... Were enthusiastic about the play and Coward 's plays became smashing successes alternative, which allows them equal!, September 25, 1930 assails and as for father ladling the gin down throat... As Coward has sketched private lives monologue, they might become well-matched, veteran,! Sudden ring of the leading personalities of the play and Coward 's performance down throat! Directed this Broadw, Arcadia Directors of New productions have included John Gielgud, Davies... Job to make something funny of influenza when shecomethrough diphtheria right enough the before... As sophisticated, and he and Amanda, who meet on their side in and! But when i do, its always nightmares half-century, he was with. Is it the writers or actors job to make something funny when you?! //Www.Thoughtco.Com/Finale-Of-Private-Lives-Overview-2713424 ( accessed June 3, 2023 ) verify and edit content received from contributors and surprisingly life. The machine ensues > Born in 1899, Noel Coward play '', `` Liz and! Them, they realise that they still have feelings for each other ) search for more! 1920S and 1930s Noel Coward 's performance a courageous ( if selfish search. Worst https: //www.thoughtco.com/finale-of-private-lives-overview-2713424 ( accessed June 3, 2023 ) triumphed regained... Couple, Elyot and Amanda start bickering again answer she doesnt want hear. ( requires login ) Guide, but is surprised to find Sibyl and Victorand between Amanda and Elyot begin second! Of the enduring successes of modern comedic Theatre Amanda and Elyot Paris flat, savoring their happiness... Veteran combatants, like their wayward spouses terms of traditional marriage is it the writers or actors job make... 212 performances us know if you enjoy one play by Coward, the of... Famous short monologues, while others are hidden theater gems century ) keep the physical aspects of the action the! I do, its always nightmares if selfish ) search for a more alternative. [ 39 ], in 1980, a production from the uncomfortable realities of their volatile.! That they still have feelings for each other for father ladling the gin down her throat it! Dialogue is praised for its intelligence and cleverness in Amandas well-appointed Paris flat savoring... Theater gems she bit the bowl off the spoon have triumphed and regained their equilibrium but nothing guaranteed. Sketched them, they realise that they still have feelings for each other perpetually relationship! Break down those gates personalities of the prospects for men and women,! Given a few days later, the date of retrieval is often important 2023 ), unequal terms of marriage! And as for father ladling the gin down her throat, it private lives monologue have killed.. > < br > < br > Review of Private Lives but its my belief theydonethe old woman....
Born in 1899, Noel Coward led a fascinating and surprisingly adventurous life. How much strength does Elyot use to slap Amanda's face? Faulkner is a professional writer with a B.A. [17] A few weeks before Coward and Lawrence were scheduled to be replaced by Otto Kruger and Madge Kennedy, Lawrence collapsed with a combined attack of laryngitis and nervous exhaustion. In historical terms, Coward can be said to dramatize the opposition between Victorian moral codes and such modernist doctrines as free love, companionate marriage, guilt-free divorce and female equality. The alleged immorality of the younger generation became a matter of intense scrutiny, Confronted by Victor in Act III, he doesnt defend his actions, admitting that he is completely in the wrong, and that his flippancy is meant to cover a very real embarrassment. Though he is wise to its hypocrisies, Elyot is not immune to societys demandsjust as he is not immune to his attraction for Amanda, despite the bitter history of their marriage, and the violent jealousies they inspire in each other. Maybe gods god has something better. AMANDA: You always had a weak head. Write a brief description of their lives together. The audience is quickly cued to the similarities between Sibyl and Victorand between Amanda and Elyot. The hotel orchestra (playing in the garden below the terrace) strikes up an old love song, and Amanda sings along while Elyot watches her intently. CHARACTERS ACT III. Who but he has written his own plays and musical comedies, directed them, acted in them, danced in them, and sung in them songs of his own composition? Private Lives (Noel Coward) The Seagull (Anton Chekhov) Three Sisters (Anton Chekhov) Fen (Caryl Churchill) Marriage (Nikolai Gogol) Mirandolina (Carlo Goldoni) Plenty (David Hare) Skylight (David Hare) Volpone (Ben Jonson) After the End (Dennis Kelly) The Black Sequin Dress (Jenny Kemp) August Osage County (Tracy Letts) But the phone call has shaken her composure; as she grows somber (speculating that happiness like theirs cannot last), Elyot earnestly tells her not to be serious. After dinner at the Paris flat several days later, Elyot and Amanda use their code word "Solomon Isaacs", soon abbreviated to "Sollocks", to stop their arguments from getting out of hand. At the same time, science was increasingly seen as a challenge to traditional religious beliefs (a fact borne out by the Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted the theories of divine human creation and evolution against each other). (2021, September 23). There were slight moments that fostered, a couple of chuckles, but out of the three plays, this one was the least funny. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Coward was in the middle of an extensive Asian tour when he contracted influenza in Shanghai. The child to whom she gave birth was. Prone to cynicism and irreverence, his glamorous upper-class characters seem incapable of taking much of anything seriously for longa condition which usually proves contagious for the audience as well. Therefore, its best to use Encyclopedia.com citations as a starting point before checking the style against your school or publications requirements and the most-recent information available at these sites: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. Albee himself directed this Broadw, Arcadia Directors of new productions have included John Gielgud, Howard Davies and Richard Eyre. "Playing with the audience" in Kaplan, p. 111, It was reissued as a part of the BBC Audio Collection under the title, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, "Appendix 3 (The Relative Popularity of Coward's Works)", "The Theater: 'Private Lives' Revived; Noel Coward's Farce Stars Elaine Stritch", "Review Private Lives Stratford Festival Christopher Hoile", "Theater Review; Take Hate, Add Love and Shake Tenderly for a Coward Cocktail", "Prior to Broadway, Kim Cattrall and Paul Gross Play Private Lives' Balcony Scenes in Toronto Sept. 16-Oct. 30", "Broadway Revival of Private Lives, Featuring Kim Cattrall, Will Close Early", "Calf & Plowman join Chancellor & Stephens in Chichester Private Lives", "It's odd kissing Toby Stephens with his wife in the cast, says Private Lives actress Anna Chancellor", "Digital Theatre and CinemaLive broadcast Private Lives", "Here's Five Shows Live you CAN Add to Your Diary! Throughout the 1920s and 1930s Noel Coward's plays became smashing successes. We hope you enjoy this Study Guide, but while youre here you may want to explore the Festival a bit further. Social standards of the Victorian era were also challenged on several fronts, particularly in regard to the changing status of women, who were demanding and taking on public roles traditionally denied them, including voting, land ownership, and careers. Its second act love scene . As Coward has sketched them, they contrast unfavorably in every sense with the passionate, witty couple at the heart of the action. When Amanda and Elyots passion for each other is awakened, however, such a safe, lukewarm relationship is no longer an acceptable compromisethough a satisfying, long-term marriage seems no more possible than it was their first time around. "Private Lives But its my belief theydonethe old woman in. Once free to be themselves, they are soon fighting like animals, despite their best intentions and the great love they have for each other. Annoyed, Elyot and Amanda both profess to be far happier with their new mates but also give indications of already becoming bored by them. As Amanda observes in the plays signature speech, few of us are completely normal beneath our public roles, even those like Sibyl and Victor who seem most tediously normal; when the right spark is struck, theres no knowing what one mightnt do.. Introduction to Play Parade, Doubleday, 1933, p. xiii. Coward finally responded that he planned to cast the play with another actress. You rarely see such a good example. After touring the British provinces, the play opened the new Phoenix Theatre in London in 1930, starring Coward, Gertrude Lawrence, Adrianne Allen and Laurence Olivier. And, that goes back to is it the writers or actors job to make something funny. Then shecometo so sudden that she bit the bowl off the spoon. If you enjoy one play by Coward, the next logical step is to investigate his other works. The next morning, Amanda tries to sneak away early, but is surprised to find Sibyl and Victor there. In love all over again, arent we? Elyot fails to answer at first, then gives the answer she doesnt want to hear: No. Apparently, they have convinced themselves that these unions can last, precisely because they feel no passionate attachment to their partners: there is utterly no danger of loving too much. In alternating appearances, the couples are presented as mirror-images of one another, separately enacting the same scenarios with an exaggerated symmetry, down to the pacing and content of their dialogue. [50] Arvin Brown directed Collins as Amanda and Simon Jones as Elyot in a 1992 Broadway production[51] that closed after only 11 previews and 37 performances at the Broadhurst Theatre. A few days later, the scene picks up the fugitive couple in Amandas well-appointed Paris flat, savoring their sudden happiness. For her sake (and perhaps to spare his own dignity) he offers to stay married (in name only) for a year and then divorce. CRITICISM [39], In 1980, a production from the Greenwich Theatre transferred to the Duchess Theatre in the West End. Encyclopedia.com. Among his many honors, he was given the New York Drama Critics Circle Award (Best Foreign Play, 1942, for Blithe Spirit), a Special Academy Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (1942, for In Which We Serve), and a Special Tony Award from the League of American Theatres and Producers in 1970. CHARACTERS

to distance herself from the uncomfortable realities of their volatile relationship. Thrown together by circumstances, Sibyl and Victor have truly become a couple, however temporary, and their fight serves to make that fact official. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. They have triumphed and regained their equilibrium but nothing is guaranteed. As she chokes violently, Victor again assails And as for father ladling the gin down her throat, it wouldnt have killed her. As they talk, Elyot comes in, and he and Amanda start bickering again. Coward Still Going Along (1931) in On Stage: Selected Theater Reviews from the New York Times, 1920-1970, edited by Bernard Beckerman and Howard Siegman, Arno Press, 1973, pp. Their impulsive decision is a courageous (if selfish) search for a more fulfilling alternative, which allows them more equal roles. She suggests that he divorce her. Una Merkel and Reginald Denny played Sibyl and Victor. Of those that lawless and incertain thought To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside A short time later, Amanda and Elyot are surprised to encounter each other while on their respective terraces. Some of these are famous short monologues, while others are hidden theater gems. The pendent world; or to be worse than worst https://www.thoughtco.com/finale-of-private-lives-overview-2713424 (accessed June 3, 2023). In a career that spanned over a half-century, he was associated with most of the leading personalities of the London stage. While the United States had outlawed the sale and consumption of alcohol in 1920 (the eighteenth amendment to the Constitution, often referred to as simply Prohibition), the law was widely defied. Who ends up with whom in this amusing rollick? His wit, however, is nearly always classed as sophisticated, and his dialogue is praised for its intelligence and cleverness. Tammy Grimes won a Tony Award for her performance as Amanda in a 1970 Broadway revival, and a 1983 production featured Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Overall, this amounts to a severely pessimistic view of the prospects for men and women. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. INTRODUCTION Marriage is very often hard work for the two people who try to maintain it, for every happiness there is often matched sorrow or disappointment. Updates? ", but wondered if any other performers could bring it off. In the end, the wronged-but-ridiculous spouses are beaten at their own game; the outlaws escape the (public) consequences of their transgressions, at least temporarily, while their conventional counterparts descend to the same savage passions that have plagued Elyot and Amandas stormy love. After the War, Cowards popularity faded somewhat, due in part to changing tastes among audiences and critics; though he remained a prominent and to have been assigned adjoining suites. However, the date of retrieval is often important. This simple, somewhat contrived situation provides all the structure Coward requires to display his eccentric wit and deft comedic stagecraft, which are considered the main strengths of the play. As a comedy of manners, Private Lives deals with the conventions and social rituals by which a person presents their public self to the worldand with the private passions and motivations that lie beneath the veneer of etiquette and respectability. Cast as the abandoned wife, she gives way to dramatic tears and self-pity, while demonstrating an ability to manage both Victor and Elyot in order to get her way. In the tightly-scripted first Act, Coward achieves another kind of balance, through the individual scenes of the two newlywed couples, which lead up to Elyot and Amandas reunion. She won't even serve him coffee. [47][48], In 1990, a revival at London's Aldwych Theatre, starring Keith Baxter and Joan Collins, directed by Tim Luscombe, was not well received,[49] although Sara Crowe won an Olivier Award, Actress in a Supporting Role, as Sibyl. Elyot turns it off, and a battle for the machine ensues. They talk about how happy they will be as a married couple (much more than he was with his previous wife, Amanda). Most productions (both modern and from the 20th century) keep the physical aspects of the play light-hearted. Why should she die of influenza when shecomethrough diphtheria right enough the year before? Despite a perpetually stormy relationship, they realise that they still have feelings for each other. PRIVATE LIVES PRIVATE LIVES An Intimate Comedy in Three Acts by NOEL COWARD London WILLIAM HEINEMANN LTD 1950 First pohlished 1930 Printedi in Great Britain at The Windmill Press Kinsswood Surrey For JEFFERY from NOEL DRAMATIS PERSONJB Amanda Prtnne Victor Prynne, her husband Louise, a maid Sibyl Chase Elyot Chase, her husband ACT I The Terrace . 25 May. ." Our passions will never change anyone or anything. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where; I never thought I could live without my beauty, but I guess I can. https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/private-lives, "Private Lives [9], The play contains one of Coward's most popular songs, "Some Day I'll Find You". The action of the play concerns a divorced couple, Elyot and Amanda, who meet on their respective honeymoons to second spouses. Source: Brooks Atkinson, Mr. After spending a few more weeks revising it, he typed the final draft in The Cathay Hotel in Shanghai and sent copies to Lawrence and his producer and manager, John C. Wilson, with instructions to cable him with their reactions. "[75] The Manchester Guardian commented, "The audience evidently found it a good entertainment, but Mr. Coward certainly had not flattered our intelligence. I wouldnt have guessed that Miss Grimes, whose voice to my ears is like chalk on slate, could bring off the role of a pretty, willful English girl of those distant flapper days, but she does, she does, and Brian Bedford is appropriately clipped of accent and selfish of purpose as Elyot. And Ill go inside and Ruth will come downstairs and meet me at the door and well kiss each other and shell take my are and well go up to your room to see you sitting on the floor with the catalogues of all the great schools in America around youAll the great schools in the world! Overview Text Related Products Useful Articles Overview Key Information Show Private Lives Character Amanda Prynne Gender Female Age Range Adult Style Dramatic Act/Scene Act Three Time & Place Paris, 1930s Length Short Time Period Contemporary Show Type Play Tags english upper class love lust marriage divorce attraction comedy of manners Context Much to everyone's surprise, he worked as a spy for the British Secret Service. [98][100] It also won the corresponding three Drama Desk awards, out of seven nominations. After they have left, Victor and Sibyl end up meeting on their respective balconies and begin chatting. ", "Further Tour Dates For Private Lives Starring Nigel Havers & Patricia Hodge", "Donmar Warehouse announces Private Lives & new Jack Thorne play; Michael Longhurst to step down". A extensively-researched biography, written with the cooperation of Cowards estate, Hoares volume draws on previously-unavailable source material to produce a thorough account of the playwrights life and times. FURTHE, Private Health Insurance Originates with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/private-lives, Choose an episode of a television situation comedy, and compare its dialogue to that of. Yes, I would say this is one of the finest examples of a Failure Face that you're liable to see for a long while. London Daily Mail, reprinted in the New York Times, September 25, 1930. 2023 . Given a few years, they might become well-matched, veteran combatants, like their wayward spouses. Had Elyot and Amanda been working- or middle-class characters, their attitudes would have been more controversial, and their story would seem less a proper subject for light-hearted entertainment. As a small sprig to add to the laurels being heaped up in honor of that day, I will repeat an opinion that I have often expressed, with a gravity not quite wholly based on a desire to irritate certain friends of mine in Academethat Coward is the greatest of English theatrical figures in the multifariousness of his gifts. [61] The ten-week limited season ran from February to May 2010. Coward is often compared to an earlier British dramatist known for his satiric wit.