Pride and Prejudice
by David Pownall
(Adapted from Jane Austen’s novel)
From 7th June 2004
To 12th June 2004
Description
David Pownall’s delightful adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel brings her famous characters to life in the true spirit of the original. Mrs Bennet’s aim in life is to marry off her daughters. Mr Bennet’s aim is to avoid Mrs Bennet for as much time as possible. Her daughters wish to marry for love. Can all these desires be reconciled to provide a happy ending? Can any young man within five miles of Longbourne avoid being matched with a Bennet daughter?
Of all of Jane Austen’s books, Pride and Prejudice has earned a special place in the hearts of the public, delighting equally both those already intimate with its characters and those who encounter them for the first time. Period drama, at its best, brings a sparkling end to the Nonentities’ season.
Directors Notes
First published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has consistently been Jane Austen’s most popular novel. Set in the genteel rural society of the day, it tells of the initial misunderstandings and later mutual enlightenment between Elizabeth Bennet (whose liveliness and quick wit have often attracted readers) and the haughty Darcy, and the title refers to the ways in which they first view each other. The original version of the novel was written in 1796-1797 under the title First Impressions, and was probably in the form of an exchange of letters.
Jane Austen’s own tongue-in-cheek opinion of her work was: "Upon the whole... I am well satisfied enough. The work is rather too light, and bright, and sparkling; it wants shade; it wants to be stretched out here and there with a long chapter of sense, if it could be had; if not, of solemn specious nonsense, about something unconnected with the story.”
The story is now quite well known, thanks to the excellent BBC adaptation, and it would be very difficult for anybody to try to emulate it. So my problem was: how does one present an original performance and stay true to Jane Austen’s tale?
In this we were lucky. David Pownall had written a unique version of the story, and the Nonnies were given special permission to perform it, as it has not been published yet.
As Director I have tried to realise Miss Austen’s style and sparkle, and hope you will enjoy an evening of manners and contradictions. We have certainly enjoyed working on it, even if the language has proved difficult to learn! My thanks to all involved, especially the actors!
Presented by - The Nonentities (A)
Location - the Main House