Concealed Fancies, The (1645)

Synopsis: A recording of what was probably the world premiere production of ‘The Concealed Fancies’ (1645), a comedy written by two aristocratic noblewomen, the sisters Lady Cavendish and Elizabeth Brackley, during the English Civil War. The main plot traces the heroines’ designs to mould their suitors according to their own desires, and reject an unwelcome rival, with comic results. It also dramatises their grief at the absence of their exiled father and brothers, concluding with his spectacular restoration. The sub-plot shows the mischievous activities of three female cousins, imprisoned in their castle by the Parliamentarian forces. The production includes songs and tunes specified in the text. This recording is of a live performance by student actors, for a coterie audience of conference delegates (akin to the coterie audience of an original production in the authors’ home). It is designed primarily for scholars and students of Renaissance drama. A critical introduction by Alison Findlay discusses the play and familiarises viewers with the characters.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 1994
Year of production: 1994
Notes: A 1-2 minute extract is available for viewing at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/english/courses/357/videofancy.html
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: drama in English; English civil war; Renaissance drama; women dramatists

Name: Lancaster University, Department of English
Email: a.g.findlay@lancaster.ac.uk shodgsonwright@chelt.ac.uk
Web: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fass/english/ External site opens in new window
Phone: 01524 382367
Fax: 01524 594247
Address: Attn. Dr Alison Findlay
Reader in Renaissance Drama
Department of English
Lancaster University
LA1 4YT

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