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.
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