Retribution: Or, the Drunkard's Curse
| Retribution, or the Drunkard's Curse | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Francis Belfield |
| Date premiered | February 1849 |
| Place premiered | Queens Theatre, Melbourne |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | alcoholism |
| Genre | drama |
Retribution: Or, the Drunkard's Curse is a 1849 Australian play by Francis Belfield about an alchoolic, George. According to Leslie Rees, "Beginning with George’s lively speech in praise of alcohol... he play goes on in lurid scenes to show George’s degradation and death and that of his unfortunate and blameless wife. It is an early example of the anti-alcohol drama that flourished later, particularly in the United States."[1]
The Argus said "Without any very great claims to depth of plot, or originality of incident, it is a very creditable production, and was listened to with marked attention, and frequent applause, by a very tolerable house."[2]
The play was revived in 1855.[3] One review said "The drama is extremely well written, and full of highly worked up situations. It also conveys an admirable moral."[4]
Belfield also wrote The Rebel Chief a melodrama set during the reign of Charles II.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Rees, Leslie (1987). Australian drama, 1970-1985 : a historical and critical survey. p. 26.
- ^ "Domestic Intelligence". The Argus (Melbourne). Vol. I, no. 48. Victoria, Australia. 16 February 1849. p. 2. Retrieved 4 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE". Empire. No. 1303. New South Wales, Australia. 14 March 1855. p. 4. Retrieved 4 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Music; Fine Arts; The Drama". The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator. Vol. VII, no. 513. New South Wales, Australia. 17 March 1855. p. 2. Retrieved 4 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "SYDNEY DIARY". The Sun. No. 12, 676. New South Wales, Australia. 13 September 1950. p. 25 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved 4 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
External links
[edit]- Retribution at Ausstage