The Profligate - A Play in Four Acts

Arthur Wing Pinero

Publisher: DigiCat

Summary

In 'The Profligate', Arthur Wing Pinero intricately weaves the moral complexities of 19th-century English society into a rich tapestry of romance and redemption. Through vivacious dialogue and vivid characterization, the play unfolds in four acts that probe the themes of love, societal expectations, and personal transformation. Set against the backdrop of Victorian values, the literary work showcases Pinero's command of dramatic structure and his adeptness at blending societal critique with engrossing storytelling, marking it a significant piece in the landscape of English theatre at the turn of the century.

Arthur Wing Pinero, a luminary of English theatre, gained acclaim for his sharp observational wit and deft handling of dramatic situations. 'The Profligate' emerges from his transition from the lighter vein of farcical comedy to the more substantively challenging social dramas. His intricate understanding of stagecraft and narrative nuance, honed through his initial career as an actor and subsequent prolific playwrighting, led to the creation of works that both entertained and provoked contemporary audiences. Pinero's writing demonstrates a deliberate engagement with the social mores and the complexities of human morality, which formed the undercurrent of his era's zeitgeist.

This play is recommended for admirers of classic English theatre and students of Victorian morality. 'The Profligate' offers not just an enthralling narrative but also a window into the evolving societal dynamics of the time. Its enduring relevance speaks to the universal struggle with ethical dilemmas and the pursuit of authenticity in one's life choices. Pinero's masterful articulation of these timeless issues ensures that the play remains a compelling read for both the seasoned literary critic and the casual reader enamored with the drama of bygone days.

Available since: 06/02/2022.

Print length: 60 pages.

Poetry & Theatre

Other books that might interest you

Odyssey of Love

Lucy Parham

Throughout his life, Franz Liszt burned the candle at both ends. A child prodigy who became the greatest keyboard virtuoso of his time, he was also a prolific composer, whose output ranged from hundreds of piano pieces to symphonies, tone poems, and songs. Pianist Lucy Parham compiled Liszt’s colorful letters and performs some of his most ecstatic piano music to depict his tempestuous relationships with the two most important women in his life.

Includes a piece about the phenomenon of Lisztomania with UCLA Professor Robert Winter.

Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center in December 2008.

Director: Martin Jarvis
Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg
An L.A. Theatre Works Full-Cast Performance Featuring:
Rosalind Ayres as Marie D’ Agoult/Carolyne Wittgenstein
Martin Jarvis as Franz Liszt
Lucy Parham on Piano
Associate Producers: Jennifer Brooks and Christina Montaño
Recording Engineer/Editor/Mixer: Mark Holden For The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood
Music Supervisor: Scott Willis

Show book

King Lear (version 2)

William Shakespeare

The Tragedy of King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The title character descends into madness after foolishly disposing of his estate between two of his three daughters based on their flattery, bringing tragic consequences for all. The play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king. It has been widely adapted for the stage and motion pictures, and the role of Lear has been coveted and played by many of the world's most accomplished actors. The play was written between 1603 and 1606 and later revised. Shakespeare's earlier version, The True Chronicle of the History of the Life and Death of King Lear and His Three Daughters, was published in quarto in 1608. The Tragedy of King Lear, a more theatrical version, was included in the 1623 First Folio. Modern editors usually conflate the two, though some insist that each version has its individual integrity that should be preserved. After the Restoration, the play was often revised with a happy ending for audiences who disliked its dark and depressing tone, but since the 19th century Shakespeare's original version has been regarded as one of his supreme achievements. The tragedy is particularly noted for its probing observations on the nature of human suffering and kinship. George Bernard Shaw wrote, "No man will ever write a better tragedy than Lear". (Summary by Wikipedia)

CastKing Lear: Bob GonzalezEdmund/King of France/Second Servant: Elizabeth KlettDuke of Burgundy/Messenger: VikingJamesDuke of Cornwall: David GoldfarbDuke of Albany: Noel BadrianEarl of Kent: Arielle LipshawEarl of Gloucester: Martin GeesonEdgar: DublinGothicCuran/Third Servant/Captain: Nathaniel W.C. HigginsKnight/Old Man/Physician: Algy PugFool/Herald: Amy L. GramourOswald: KristingjFirst Servant/Officer: Tiffany Halla ColonnaGentleman: Dan RaynhamGoneril: Bev J. StevensRegan: Liberty StumpCordelia: Miss AvariceNarrator: Denny SayersAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett

Show book

Sad Years

Dora Sigerson Shorter

This is a collection of poems by Dora Sigerson Shorter, whose subject are the Sad Years 1914-1918.  - Summary by Carolin

Show book

The Poet Laureates Volume 1

John Skelton, Ben Jonson, Edmund...

Poet Laureates. Volume 1.  The office of Poet Laureate is a high honour amongst poets. The Ancient Greeks had the first idea and their heroes and Poets wore wreaths of Laurel in honour of the god Apollo.  Many countries now have a Laureate as do many societies and organisations.  But perhaps ranked first among them all is that of our own Poet Laureate. Unfortunately no single authentic definitive record exists of the office of Poet Laureate of England.  In some form it can be traced back to 1189 and Richard Canonicus who was employed by Richard I with the title “versificator Regis”.  It is said that Geoffrey Chaucer was called Poet Laureate, being granted in 1389 an annual allowance of wine.   After that there were a succession of ‘volunteer Laureates’.  It is not until 1617 that King James I created the post as it is known today for Ben Jonson, although it appears not to have been a formal appointment. That formality:- The title of Poet Laureate, as a royal office, was first conferred by letters patent on John Dryden in 1670 And from there we have procession of outstanding poets among them William Wordsworth, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Alfred Austin.  Among our readers are Richard Mitchley and Ghizela Rowe.

Show book

The Basement Flat (NHB Modern...

Rona Munro

Fiona and Stephen's tenant has become their landlord and their daughter has taken to living in the overgrown garden, which is creeping into the house as temperatures rise...
From the author of The James Plays, The Basement Flat was first staged at the Traverse Theatre, in 2009.

Show book

The Upstart Crow

Vincent Dowling

The story of Susanna, daughter of William Shakespeare. In conversation at the Globe Theatre, she meets Richard Burbage, a close friend and colleague of Will and learns the stories that give her understanding of her relationship with her estranged father.

Show book