The Duke in Darkness
| Company type | Play |
|---|---|
| Industry | Theatre |
| Founded | 7 September 1942 |
| Founder | Patrick Hamilton |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh and London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Stage play |
The Duke in Darkness is a psychological drama written by Patrick Hamilton in 1942, set against the backdrop of the French Wars of Religion. It debuted on 7 September 1942 at Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre and subsequently ran for 72 performances at London’s St. James Theatre, London between 8 October and 5 December 1942. The play also experienced a short Broadway engagement in 1944.
Plot
Set in 1580 during the turmoil of the French Civil Wars, the Duke of Latteraine has been confined within Chateau Lamorre for fifteen years alongside his servant, Gribaud. To facilitate an escape attempt, the Duke pretends to be blind. During a gripping chess match, Gribaud’s mental stability begins to wane. They receive a visit from Voulain, once an ally but now aligned with the opposition, who offers a plan for escape. The Duke faces the challenge of judging Voulain’s trustworthiness while managing his increasingly unstable companion, whose fragile condition endangers their chance for freedom.
Production
The Duke in Darkness had its premiere on 7 September 1942 at Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre. Its London engagement took place at the St. James Theatre, London, running from 8 October to 5 December 1942, with a total of 72 performances directed by Michael Redgrave.
Key cast members included:
- Michael Redgrave portraying Gribaud
- Leslie Banks as the Duke of Latteraine
- Hugh Burden in the role of Voulain
- D. J. Williams as Chauvet
- Fred Groves playing Marteau
- Walter Fitzgerald as Duke of Lamorre
- Richmond Nairne as Count d'Aublaye
Broadway production
The play was presented at New York’s Playhouse Theatre from 24 January until 12 February 1944. The cast featured Edgar Stehli as Gribaud, Philip Merivale as the Duke of Latteraine, and Raymond Burr portraying Voulain.
1948 British TV adaptation
A live television adaptation of The Duke in Darkness aired on the BBC on 11 March 1948, lasting approximately 90 minutes. No known recordings of this broadcast have survived.
1957 Australian TV adaptation
In 1957, the play was adapted for Australian television during a time when domestic drama productions were scarce. This marked ABV-2’s ninth live TV production (The ABC in Melbourne).
Around this period, other adaptations of Patrick Hamilton’s works such as Rope and The Governess were also broadcast on Australian television.
Cast
- Brian James as the Duke
- Walter Brown
- Syd Conabere
- Lisle Jones
- John Morgan
- Philip Stainton
Production
Filmed in Melbourne, this version featured set designs by John Peters.
Revised edition
A revised adaptation by Orlando Wells was staged for a revival running from 16 April to 13 May 2013 at London’s Tabard Theatre.
See also
External links
- 1942 plays
- 1957 Australian television dramas
- Works by Patrick Hamilton
- Dramas concerning the French Wars of Religion
- 16th-century settings in plays
- French historical plays
- Stage works inspired by real events
- Cultural portrayals of dukes
- West End stage productions
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation televised dramas
- Television dramas produced in Melbourne
- Television productions directed by Chris Muir
- Australian films adapted from stage plays
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation television plays