Subject
Actresses -- Drama Books
Best books
Arthur Wing Pinero
Trelawny of The "Wells": A Comedietta in Four Acts
"Trelawny of The 'Wells': A Comedietta in Four Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a play written in the late 19th century. This work revolves around the theatrical life and the emotional transitions of its characters, particularly focusing on Rose Trelawny, a young actress on the verge of leaving the stage for a marriage that signifies a departure from her artistic lifestyle. The narrative begins with the elements of humor and drama typical of the theatre scene, highlighting the interactions among theatrical and non-theatrical characters. The opening of the play introduces us to a sitting room in a modest lodging house where preparations are underway for a farewell gathering for Miss Rose Trelawny. As various characters come in and out, we learn that Rose is leaving her acting career behind to marry Arthur Gower, a young man from a respectable family. Conversations among the characters reveal their thoughts on Rose's departure from the profession, their mixed feelings about it, and hints of emotional struggles as they navigate their world, balancing aspirations with societal expectations. The lively dialogue sets a comedic yet poignant tone, establishing the complexities of love and career within the theatrical community.
Frank Dumont
The Quiet Hotel: A Farcical Sketch in One Act
"The Quiet Hotel: A Farcical Sketch in One Act" by Frank Dumont is a comedic play written in the early 20th century. This one-act farce centers around a quirky country hotel run by a single staff member, Susan, and a colored porter named Rubber-Neck, who has aspirations of becoming an actor. The work encapsulates the challenges and humorous misadventures that arise when an actress, Miss Calcium, arrives seeking rest yet inadvertently disrupts the tranquility of the hotel with her theatrical ambitions. In the story, Miss Calcium arrives at the “very quiet” hotel, only to encounter the eccentric staff and their humorous interactions. Susan, who essentially runs the whole hotel, and the oblivious Rubber-Neck, engage in a comedic dialogue that reveals their lack of hotel management experience and a shared desire to be involved in theatrical performance. As Miss Calcium attempts to teach them about acting, chaos ensues, culminating in absurd scenarios such as a staged rescue from an imaginary train. The humor lies in the characters’ misunderstandings and aspirations, leading to the creation of their makeshift theater performance, aptly named the Calcium Comedy Company. This lighthearted sketch serves not only as entertainment but also as a satire on the theatrical world and the dreams of its characters.
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