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Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Introduction

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a 1966 play written by Edward Albee that tells the story of a dysfunctional marriage between George and Martha Willett, two middle-aged academics who engage in a series of psychological games with their younger students. The play premiered at the Atlantic Theater Company on June 3, 1964.

Key Facts

  • Premiere: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? premiered at the Atlantic Theater Company on June 3, 1964.
  • Playwright: Edward Albee wrote the play in collaboration with George S. Kaufman and Clifford Odets.
  • Production History: The play was first performed by the National Theatre in London on November 9, 1966.
  • Awards: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won six Tony Awards in 1967, including Best Play.

Historical Context

The play explores themes of marriage, identity, and the human condition. The story is set in a suburban home in New York City, where George and Martha are having an affair with their younger students, Richard and Elizabeth. The play's characters are all middle-aged men who have retreated from society to escape the pressures of adulthood.

Significant Contributions

  • Influence on American Theater: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is considered one of the most influential plays of the 20th century.
  • Expansion of the Concept of Identity: The play explores themes of identity and how it is constructed through relationships and interactions with others.
  • Deconstruction of Traditional Marriage: The play challenges traditional notions of marriage as a monogamous institution and instead portrays it as a complex web of power dynamics.

Notable Attractions

  • Theatre Company: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? premiered at the Atlantic Theater Company on June 3, 1964.
  • Awards: The play won six Tony Awards in 1967.
  • Film Adaptations: A film adaptation was released in 1966 directed by Mike Nichols and starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Conclusion

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a complex and thought-provoking play that continues to be widely performed and studied today. Its exploration of themes such as identity, power dynamics, and the human condition has made it a landmark work in American theater.

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