Susanna Centlivre
Susanna Centlivre was a remarkable figure in the world of 18th-century English theatre, known for her sharp wit and keen observations of society. Born in 1669, she defied the conventions of her time by becoming one of the most successful female playwrights in England. Her works often featured strong, clever female characters, reflecting her own experiences and views on gender roles, making her a pioneer in the realm of women's representation in literature. Centlivre's most famous plays, such as "The Busy Body" and "A Bold Stroke for a Wife," remain celebrated for their humor and social commentary.
Beyond her accomplishments as a playwright, Centlivre was also a savvy businesswoman and a respected member of the literary community in her day. After her marriage to a wealthy gentleman, she found the freedom to pursue her passion for writing, which flourished throughout her life. For those curious about her unique voice and the vibrant characters she created, exploring Susanna Centlivre's works in this app offers a delightful journey into the past, revealing the wit and wisdom of a trailblazing author who shaped the landscape of English theatre.
The Busie Body
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Susanna Centlivre
A rich heiress pretending to be in love with her guardian, but with several other suitors. A jealous merchant from Spain with a beautiful b…
The Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret
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Susannah Centlivre and Susanna Centlivre
Donna Isabella does not want to marry Don Guzman, her father's choice. Donna Violante's father wants her to become a nun. Isabella is attack…
The Perjur'd Husband, or The Adventures of Venice
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Susannah Centlivre and Susanna Centlivre
Centlivre's first play: a tragedy. Star-crossed lovers, one married and the other betrothed elsewhere. Secret letters gone astray, gender ch…
The Stolen Heiress
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Susanna Centlivre
Claiming that his son has died while away, Lord Gravello makes it appear that his daughter is now "the Heir to all [his] vast Revenues,…
The Beau's Duel, or A Soldier for the Ladies
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Susanna Centlivre
A comedy, this was Centlivre's second play, first presented in 1702, and in her prologue she has made a big deal of the fact that this play …
Susanna Centlivre The Bassett Table
Susanna Centlivre
The Basset Table is a delightful Restoration drama by Susanna Centlivre, adapted for radio by Fidelis Morgan. This production aired on BBC R…
The Basset-Table
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Susanna Centlivre
Sir Richard wants his daughter Valeria to marry a Navy Captain, but she is more interested in young Ensign Lovely. Meanwhile.... - Summary b…
Love's Contrivance
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Susanna Centlivre
The usual: One Woman with two suitors for her hand. One preferred by the woman, another preferred for her by her father. How might she get h…
The Gamester
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Susanna Centlivre
Young Valere, in love with Angelica, has been amusing himself at the gaming tables, and not surprisingly getting himself in both financial t…
Love at a Venture
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Susanna Centlivre
Belair is chasing several ladies at the same time: "Thus different Women give us different Joys. Beauty in one; in t'other Wit we find;…
Marplot in Lisbon; Or The Second Part of The Busy Body
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Susanna Centlivre
We first met the scheming Marplot in Susanna Centlivre's 1709 play "The Busie Body" (already recorded at Librivox). The play was s…