Becket

by Jean Anouilh, Frederic Raphael (Translator), Stephen Raphael (Translator)

Overview

Anouilh's classic historical tale of conflict between church and state, in a major new translation by Frederic and Stephen Raphael



In Becket, Anouilh presents the history of England under Henry II as if it was France under German occupation. As Henry's long-time political playmate, Thomas's elevation to Archbishop of Canterbury forces him to sacrifice the love of his leader for his newfound love of the church:"If I become archbishop I shall cease to be your friend".
Becket was first produced at the Théâtre Montparnasse in 1959."Witty, intelligent, full of repartee and irreverence...it can hold an audience spellbound" (Financial Times)

This new translation is published to tie in with a production of the play opening at London's Theatre Royal, Haymarket.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780413774927
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/28/2004
Series:	Modern Plays
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.24(d)

About the Author

Jean Anouilh was born in Bordeaux in 1910 and lived for many years in Switzerland until his death in 1987. His best-known plays are: Restless Heart (1934), Dinner with the Family, Traveller without Lu ggage (both 1937) Thieves' Carnival (1938), Leocadia (1939), Point of Departure (Eurydice) (1941), A ntigone (1944), the Rehearsal (1950), The Waltz of the Toreadors (1952), The Lark (1953), Poor Bitos (1956), The Director of the Opera (1973). Methuen publishes two volumes of his collected plays. Fre deric Raphael has written nineteen novels as well as various translations, essays and radio plays.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“M. Anouilh’s essential theme—the portrayal of a life that ends by championing the honor of God, no matter what the cost—has nobility and exaltation.” –Howard Taubman, The New York Times

“Fascinating play… so much that is hopeful, stimulating, imaginatively gratifying.” –Walter Kerr

“A great play.” –Henry Hewes, Saturday Review

“Witty, original and impressive.” –The Wall Street Journal

“A great, exciting play.” Louis Sobol

“Brilliant, exciting and big.” –John Chapman, New York Daily News

“Stunning drama…” –John McClain

“Exciting, stimulating, full-blooded theatre.” –Robert Coleman

“A notable event in the theatre, powerful and distinguished.” –Richard Watts, New York Post

Editorial Reviews

M. Anouilh’s essential theme—the portrayal of a life that ends by championing the honor of God, no matter what the cost—has nobility and exaltation.” –Howard Taubman, The New York Times

“Fascinating play… so much that is hopeful, stimulating, imaginatively gratifying.” –Walter Kerr

“A great play.” –Henry Hewes, Saturday Review

“Witty, original and impressive.” –The Wall Street Journal

“A great, exciting play.” Louis Sobol

“Brilliant, exciting and big.” –John Chapman, New York Daily News

“Stunning drama…” –John McClain

“Exciting, stimulating, full-blooded theatre.” –Robert Coleman

“A notable event in the theatre, powerful and distinguished.” –Richard Watts, New York Post

From the Publisher