Marivaux was the 4th most-performed playwright at the Comedie-Francais. Time Magazine speculated that the 17th century French writer may be "the hottest playwright all over America." This volume will contain an extensive introduction by the author; an essay on the historical context by Christine Pevitt; a Question and Answer section between Janice Paran and the author discussing the process of adapting Marivaux's plays; and production photos of the three plays.

This collection by renowned French playwright Marivaux includes three comedies written between 1723 and 1732: Changes of Heart (The Double Constancy), The Game of Love and Chance, and The Triumph of Love. Marivaux, a follower of Comedie Italienne, used stock characters, often in false identity and impersonation. His theme in all three plays, which reflect his stand for class and gender equality, is the search for love in the game of courtship. These translations and adaptations by Wadsworth, a longtime opera director, are distinguished from earlier efforts by the fluid style and acting instructions. Background materials include an introduction by Wadsworth; "The France of Marivaux," by Christian Pevitt; "Marivaux on Stage and Page," a conversation between Wadsworth and Janice Paran, the director of three premiers at McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ; and 40 plates of photos from these productions. Recommended for all public and academic libraries.
-Ming-ming Shen Kuo, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, IN
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.