PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

By Kate Hamill

Adapted from the novel by Jane Austen

World premiere production co-produced by Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival and Primary Stages; June 24, 2017, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (Davis McCallum, Artistic Director; Kate Liberman, Managing Director) November 19, 2017, Primary Stages (Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Shane D. Hudson, Executive Director)

TIME

You decide!

SETTING

Look to the doors!

DATES

October 24 - 26 @ 8pm, October 31 - November 2 @ 8pm, November 6 - 9 @ 8pm, November 2  & 9 at 2pm. The Forum Theater in the Radio and Television Building, 35 South College Street, Athens OH 45701

Talk-back after the shows on Saturday 10/26 & Thursday 10/31.

SYNOPSIS

Jane Austen’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so full of life. Kate Hamill’s boisterous and highly theatrical adaptation explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. Because what turns us into greater fools than the high-stakes game of love?

DRAMATURGICAL NOTE

Love’s a Drama Wanna Play?

Pride and Prejudice is an old book, written by a long-dead woman. Its characters and their problems are pure Regency era: who expects to get engaged with someone after dancing with them three times? It makes no sense that this story continues to hold public consciousness, yet here we are, two hundred and eleven years later, still yearning to see Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love. 

Jane Austen began her work on Pride and Prejudice in 1796 under the working title First Impressions. It was an instant bestseller when released in 1813—after her publisher finally agreed to bring it out following the success of Sense and Sensibility. The Regency Era was a time of economic uncertainty for many people and Price and Prejudice provided them with an escapist fairytale in its Cinderella-like story. At the same time, Austen makes fun of the social graces of the upper class, endearing the novel to readers of all backgrounds.  

In the centuries since, Austen’s work has never lost the public’s favor. Her witty style of writing and fabulous female characters have enlivened the imaginations of generations of artists. The first stage adaptation of her work, in 1890, was a collection called Duologues and Scenes from The Novels of Jane Austen, written for wealthy young people to perform for each other in their parlors. In 1935, Pride and Prejudice: A Sentimental Comedy by Helen Jerome, the first fully produced stage production, was a hit on both Broadway and the West End. The first movie of Pride and Prejudice was based on Jerrome’s adaptation, and these stage and screen versions established Jane Austen’s work as romantic swoon-fests. 

Fans today hold up two versions of Pride and Prejudice as definitive adaptations of the novel. In 1995, the BBC produced an almost word-for-word mini-series adaptation of the novel, starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. And in 2005 Joe Wright made a romantic movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. These two adaptations brought the romantic image of the Regency Era to the contemporary public imagination. I mean, Colin Firth has the Regency Era equivalent of a white t-shirt scene, stripping off his jacket, his cravat, and his vest to dive into a lake. And Matthew Macfayden and Keira Knightley argue with great passion while standing amid Tuscan columns in a rainstorm. (Oh, those soaking-wet costumes!) These movies perfected the romantic aspects of the story—but Austen is also a comedienne. 

Tantrum Theater chose to produce Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice because it so perfectly captures this other Austen. Hamill’s version plays down the original Regency comedy of manners while amping up the farce that is falling in love. The novel’s romantic heart is maintained, but here we get to revel in the hijinks and games of the story’s heady festival atmosphere, with everyone running amok and on their worst behavior. After all, love’s a game everyone wants to play, now as much as in the 1800s. “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery” —we are here to have some fun. 

Sarah Dykhuizen, Dramaturg

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Tantrum Theater, acknowledges that we perform on traditional homelands of the Shawnee people, as well as the Wahzhazhe (who are also known as the Osage). 

This season, Tantrum is supporting the phenomenal artist, Tony Duncan, who is performing in the Forum Theater on November 23, 2024. 

Champion of the Hoop and Voice of Apache Nation 
Tony Duncan, a celebrated figure in the world of Native American dance and music, has made a significant impact through his extraordinary talent as a hoop dancer and his dedication to preserving and sharing his Apache heritage. As a five-time World Champion Hoop Dancer, Duncan's artistry transcends mere performance, bridging cultural tradition and contemporary expression.  

We hope you join us in supporting Native American Artists and learning more. 

A Season of Love and Rebellion

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to kick off a new season with stories that celebrate love and rebellion with grand theatricality and hilarious chaos! Tantrum is excited to bring you two captivating tales: Kate Hamill's innovative reimagining of Pride and Prejudice and the big-hearted musical The Prom. While distinct in style and era, both share a common heartbeat—an invitation to challenge societal norms and embrace the courage of one’s convictions.

Jane Austen’s timeless tale of latent love has never felt more alive. Kate Hamill’s exuberant adaptation dives into the absurdities and exhilarations of searching for that perfect match. After all, what makes greater fools of us than the high-stakes game of love? This adaptation not only captures Austen’s sharp commentary on class and gender but also infuses it with a contemporary vibrancy that speaks to today’s audiences. As we follow Elizabeth’s journey of rebellion, we are reminded of the courage it takes to remain true to ourselves.

In one of the most produced musicals since its Broadway debut, The Prom hilariously satirizes four washed-up Broadway stars in desperate need of a new stage. After horrid reviews of their newly premiered play, they embark on a quest for redemption and find themselves rallying behind a high school student fighting for the right to take her girlfriend to prom. The Prom is a smart, heartfelt musical that confronts prejudice and fear with compassion and humor. Once again, we are reminded of the courage it takes to stay true to ourselves.

Both stories convey a potent message about the relentless barriers that arise in the ongoing quest for social justice. Lest we forget, Austen introduced us to Elizabeth Bennet over 200 years ago, and the conversation surrounding women’s fundamental rights remains as relevant and precarious as ever. The fight for autonomy, identity, and acceptance in a conformist society requires both persistence and deep courage which we see in trailblazers like Emma Nolan in The Prom. These stories inspire hope and encourage us to look to younger generations to build on the efforts of the brave freedom fighters who came before them, as humanity continues to strive for equality and justice for all.

As we delve into this season, we invite you to engage with us in the love and rebellion, and to be inspired by the courageous acts unfolding on our stage. 

Ellie Clark Artistic Director

Roberto Di Donato Producing Director

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Tantrum Theater is proud to have the support from the following sponsors, without whose support, this performance would not have been possible: The National Endowment for the Arts , The Ohio Arts Council, Ohio Humanities, College of Fine Arts Community Fund

HOW TO REACH US

Tantrum Theater 

19 South College Street

1 Ohio University

Athens, Ohio  45701

740.593.4818

Email: [email protected]

FIRE NOTICE

Illuminated signs above each door indicate
emergency exits. Please check for the nearest
exit. In the event of an emergency, you will be
notified by theater personnel and assisted in
the evacuation of the building.

SEATING POLICY 

Everyone must have a ticket. Sorry, no
children in arms or on laps. Patrons who
leave the theater during the performance
will be reseated at the discretion of house
management. Those who become disruptive
will be asked to leave the theater.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

The Forum Theater is fully accessible to those with mobility issues.
When booking tickets, please let our Box
Office know if you require a ticket that will
accommodate a wheelchair. Please call Ledger
Free, Director of Audience Services, at 917-
733-0081 if you need any assistance during
your visit. We are here to help you!