Les Parents Terribles (NHB International Collection) [Paperback]

Jean Cocteau (Author), Jeremy Sams (Translator)

Book Description

Series: NHB International Collection | Publication Date: 1994

A new translation of Jean Cocteau's greatest stage success.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

About the Author

Jeremy Sams is a director, translator, adaptor, composer and music director. He has worked extensively on Stephen Sondheim's musicals and adapted Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the West End.

Product Details

• Paperback: 73 pages
• Publisher: Nick Hern Books (1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854592564
• ISBN-13: 978-1854592569
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #977,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, odd, delirious, amusing, complex., March 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Les Parents Terribles (NHB International Collection) (Paperback)

Five characters, two different settings, three acts; an overpowering mother, a doting son, a jilted aunt, a lecherous father, and an innocent young girl -- Cocteau takes all of this, and weaves together an odd story of the ultimate dysfunctional family. This translation was used by the Royal National Theatre in London for the recent "revival" of the play, which eventually came to New York and starred Kathleen Turner and British newcomer Jude Law. Cocteau adapted this play for a french film version several years after it closed. Not for those looking for "light entertainment;" some may be disturbed by the oedipal themes which Cocteau explored in this work, but definitely satisfying for those looking for "different" or "thought-provoking" theatre (or the "just strange" style for that matter).