Playing Jane Austen
Regular price
€16.99
The grasping social climber, the tiresome neighbour, the spirited heroine, the most unsuitable of suitors, and, of course, the perfect love match, are all some of Jane Austen's timeless literary inventions. Mistress of a sharp wit, Austen's observations on society and the roles and rights of women are familiar today not only through her novels but from countless screen and stage adaptations. However, the original dramatisation of Austen was first published in 1895, by Victorian feminist and actor Rosina Filippi, who skilfully adapted iconic scenes from Austen's novels into one-act plays for performance. Playing Jane evokes the romance of Victorian drawing-room entertainment at its best, and with accompanying stage directions and advice on the correct silks and muslins to wear, you too can learn how to play Jane.
Rosina Filippi (1866-1930) was a progressive actor and director who was associated with many of the theatrical greats of her generation. In 1913 she established a People's Theatre, to promote affordable theatre for all. An advocate for women's rights, Filippi was also the first person to dramatise Jane Austen for performance.