by Henrik Ibsen
Translated and Adapted by Eric Samuelsen
(For Professional, College/University and Community Groups) Recommended for audiences aged 12 and older.
This new translation of Ibsen’s 1894 play emphasizes the terrible consequences of poor decisions, the power of strength built in a crucible of sorrow, and the singular importance of family unity. It delves deep into both family tragedy and almost fable-like elements of Norwegian folklore. The plot circles around the Allmer family, with father Alfred about to abandon his plans for a book in favor of raising son Eyolf, a crippled little boy whom few are sure might live a normal life. When the family opens its door to a mysterious Rat-Wife capable of lulling rodents into the sea, followed by an engineer who fancies daughter Asta, all manner of guilt, resentment and sorrow follow, but so does the chance that the family might find some form of redemption; it’s what we’re all about. This is a play about secrets and hidden longings. It is about choices and consequences and how those choices have the possibility of destroying lives. It is a play about a family that has chosen not to have Christ in their lives and that has no understanding of his great love and atonement. But in spite of that, this play is about redemption and how people can choose to either wallow in their own guilt and remorse or to reach out to help others. It is a play that talks about the “Responsibility of Man” and finds the answer through the act of charity. However, Ibsen leaves the ending in question—Will these characters still talk about their responsibility to mankind, or will they put their words into action? This is the question Ibsen poses for each of us.
PLAY DETAILS:
- 2M 3W 1B(age 9-11)
- Three settings, in one set
- Costumes of the late 1800s
- About 2 hours
- ORDER #3033
PERUSAL FILES
- The PERUSAL PAGES file is in PDF format and contains the first half of this play: LittleEyolfPERUSAL
- EMAIL us for rights and information. Be sure to give us anticipated performance dates and the address of your group and, if different, your theatre. Please also include a contact name and phone number.
PURCHASE REHEARSAL MATERIALS:
(Any PDF purchased will be emailed to your email address — if you need to provide that to us (not the one on your PayPal account?), email us. CDs will be mailed to a snail mail address. Do not purchase rehearsal materials or pay for royalties until you have performance clearance.)
- Script in PDF format — Order #3033a : $25.00 (from which you will be authorized to copy for your production)
- First Performance Amateur/Educational Royalty — Order #3033d : $75
- Second Performance Amateur/Educational Royalty — Order #3033e : $65
- Professional Royalties will be quoted upon application
- A Study Guide (in PDF form) prepared by La Beene for the BYU production, it is available free of charge. LittleEyolfSTUDYGUIDE
PRODUCTIONS
- Brigham Young University Theatre and Media Arts Department — 2012 (LittleEyolfBYUphotos)
- Jermyn Street Theatre, London — 2011
- Premiere by Tonic Productions, San Diego — 2006
BILLING CREDITS
The following is how the credits should read in all programs, posters, fliers, handbills and other promotional advertising for the show:
Little Eyolf
by
Henrik Ibsen
Translated and Adapted by
Eric Samuelsen
NOTE: The names of the Playwright(s), Composer, Lyricist, and Bookwriter shall be equal in size, type, coloring, boldness, and prominence. No billing shall appear in type larger or more prominent than the billing to the Authors except for the title of the play. (In a press release all type, will of course, be the same size.)
ALSO:
THIS NOTICE MUST APPEAR IN ALL PROGRAMS, ON ALL POSTERS AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND INTERNET ADVERTISING/WEBPAGES FOR THE PLAY:
“Little Eyolf is presented through special arrangement with Leicester Bay Theatricals. All authorized materials are also supplied by LBT, www.leicesterbaytheatricals.com”
From the catalog of
