School for Wives (Library Edition Audio CDs) (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections) [Audio CD]

Moliere (Author), Richard Wilbur (Author)

Book Description

Series: L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections | Publication Date: April 15, 2008

In this biting comedy of errors, the hapless Arnolphe is undone by his own double dealing and double standards. The School for Wives was first performed at the Palais Royal theatre on December 26, 1662, and is considered by many to be Molieres masterpiece. Richard Wilbur's subtle verse translation illuminates the great master of comedy at his wittiest. A full-cast production featuring: William Brown, Wellesley Chapman, Joe Damour, Kevin Fox, Cheryl Graeff, Judy Greer, Dev Kennedy, Bradley Mott and Larry Yando.

A L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: William Brown, Wellesley Chapman, Joe Damour, Kevin Fox, Cheryl Graeff, Judy Greer, Dev Kennedy, Bradley Mott, Larry Yando

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Audio CD: 1 pages
• Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works; Unabridged edition (April 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580813844
• ISBN-13: 978-1580813846
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,928,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully fresh translation, June 4, 2003

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: School for Wives (Oberon Classics) (Paperback)

Bolt achieves with his translation of Moliere's classic comedy what David Hirson did with his 1991 play, La Bete. While remaining true to the general language of Moliere's time and rhyming couplets in iambic pentameter, Bolt is still able to sprinkle modern touches that make the comedy pop out even more. Bolt's British wit sparkles through the French comedy, making for an enjoyable read as well as performance.

Interesting, too, is Nicholas Dromgoole's introduction, which makes some incredibly interesting points yet also keeps in tone with Bolt's take on Moliere's commedia dell'arte-influenced School For Wives.

Whether you're a fan of Moliere or a novice to his works, Bolt's translation of The School for Wives is a fantastic read that keeps the comedy alive, even after 350 years.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very amusing satire., July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: School for Wives (Oberon Classics) (Paperback)

I read this play for a French Lit. class (in the original French)and enjoyed Moliere's sense of humor. I laughed out loud as I watched everyone's plans go horribly awry. A great classic social commentary. It centers around one man's obsessive fear of cuckoldry (when a man's wife cheats on him), and the extremes to which he goes to avoid this. He practically emprisons a girl/young woman so that she can be raised properly and will make a faithful and obedient wife when she finally matures. This of course leads him into a muddle of confusion and coincidences as everything goes wrong . . .

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Entertaining!!, October 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: School for Wives (Oberon Classics) (Paperback)

I read this play for a college comparative literature course and it was great. Moliere is extremely easy to read and his work is very enjoyable. You can't help but be astonished by Arnolphe's views of women, but his ignorance gives you a good laugh. Enjoy!!