College of Charleston SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Historically Controversial Play ‘The Children’s Hour’ to Be Staged

The Department of Theatre and Dance will stage “The Children’s Hour,” directed by faculty member Paul Rolfes. Written by Lillian Hellman, the historically controversial play is based on true events; to avoid being sent back to school, an angry, manipulative student tells a lie that threatens to destroy the lives of the two young women who run the all-girls boarding school. Through the malicious act of a child, “The Children’s Hour” exposes the gripping power that lies, fear, and prejudice have on human nature.
The play was first staged on Broadway at Maxine Elliott’s Theatre in 1934, where it ran for over two years, and in 1936 it was presented at London’s Gate Theatre Studio and Dublin’s Gate Theatre. After a tumultuous history in the film industry due to its subject matter, the film version was finally released in 1961; it was directed by William Wyler and starred Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine and James Garner. The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Directors Guild of America award.
DETAILS: The show will run Wednesday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 and Wednesday, Nov. 4 through Sunday Nov. 8. Curtain times will be 7:30 p.m., except Sunday shows at 2 p.m. only. Performances will take place at the Chapel Theatre, 172 Calhoun St. General admission is $15; $10 for senior citizens, College of Charleston students and employees. Tickets and season subscriptions can be purchased online at theatre.cofc.edu or by calling (843) 953-6306. (Online season brochure is linked here.)
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By mccauleyn | October 20, 2015 | School News |