What's On

The University of Adelaide presents a staged play reading of

THE WAY OF THE WORLD
By William Congreve

Directed by Alexander Kirk
Little Theatre, The Cloisters, University of Adelaide

Thursday 15, Friday 16 & Saturday 17 March 2018 at 7.30pm

Restoration Comedy Revisited!

The Theatre Guild is thrilled to open its 80^th Anniversary Season with a fresh look at William Congreve’s The Way of the World, last produced by the Guild in 1980 in Union Hall.  Thirty eight years later, we revisit Congreve’s witty text, this time as a staged play reading in the Little Theatre. 

With its cast of rakes, fops, aristocrats and spiteful women, The Way of the World is widely acknowledged as one of the finest Restoration comedies, despite the fact that it was considered a failure when first performed in March 1700 in Lincolns Inn Fields.  

Mirabell and Millamant wish to marry but need the consent of Millamant’s aunt, Lady Wishfort, in order to receive her full dowry.  But therein lies the problem, for Mirabell has grossly slighted the old lady by pretending to be enamoured of her in order to gain access to Millamant.  To further complicate matters, Millamant has a clique of devoted followers whilst Mirabell has more than a few enemies!  And so the fun begins in this delightful comedy of manners.

Director Alexander Kirk said “I chose this play for the Guild’s anniversary year because it is one of the greatest English classical comedies, sadly now seldom performed.  Although all the characters are types from the comedy of manners, Congreve has created each of them with amazing subtlety.  Intricately plotted, the comedy’s graceful dialogue and dazzling wit exude warmth and anticipation.  We care that Mirabell will win Millamant.” 

Congreve’s writing, finely wrought and deliciously witty, charms the senses as it explores the intoxicating themes of sex, money, relationships and social status.  His way of the world offers a tantalising glimpse at the glitteringly amoral world of Restoration comedy.

If I continue to endure you a little longer,
I may by degrees dwindle into a Wife.

Cast: Laura Antoniazzi, Matthew Chapman, Geoff Dawes, Katherine Edmond, Phil Grummet, Rose Harvey, Brian Knott, Simon Lancione, Roland Lever, Philip Lineton, Ben McCann, Nima Namjouyan, Emma O’Connell-Doherty, Christine Runnel, April Slomiany, Camilla Wolfe-Barry and Danii Zappia.

The Way of the World is a joyous celebration of the power of love.

TICKETS:  All tickets $15

BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/TCBF  or cash on the door, subject to availability