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1956

Don Juan

Written by Ronald Duncan

Play Details

Context

Place Premiered
Théâtre du Palais-Royal

Artistic Director
George Devine

Dates Performed

Tuesday 15th May 1956
Main House (Downstairs)

Play Details

Synopsis

A mid-20th century European cityscape, where charm and philosophy intertwine in smoky cafes and moonlit balconies

Don Juan, the legendary seducer, navigates a modern world with wit and existential angst. As he moves through a series of romantic encounters, each woman he meets challenges his worldview, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the true nature of desire. Duncan’s Don Juan is not merely a libertine, but a complex figure grappling with questions of freedom, morality, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe.

Written in lyrical verse, Duncan’s play blends sharp dialogue with moments of dark humour and profound reflection. The modern setting breathes new life into the age-old tale, exploring themes of existentialism and the dynamics of power in relationships. As Don Juan’s philosophical musings collide with his romantic pursuits, the play offers a thought-provoking examination of love, desire, and the human condition in the mid-20th century context.

Director(s)

George Devine

Cast & Creative

Cast

Rosalie Crutchley

Cast

Stephen Dartnell

Cast

Nigel Davenport

Cast

Christopher Fettes

Cast

Barbara Grimes

Cast

Agnes Lauchlan

Cast

Keith Michell

Cast

John Osborne

Cast

Joan Plowright

Cast

Josee Richard

Cast

George Selway

Cast

Geoffrey Sisley

Cast

Robert Stephens

Cast

John Welsh

Designer

John Minton

Costume

Richard Negri

Sound

Thomas Eastwood