Overview
Synopsis
In 1891, Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented shocked Victorian audiences with its frank criticisms of Victorian moral hypocrisy. In 1925, Hardy wrote this stage adaptation for the Hardy Players, an acting troupe dedicated to staging his popular novels.
Tess Durbeyfield is a simple country maiden with strict ideas about moral pureness. After her family learns of their ancient aristocratic line of the d’Urbervilles, she is sent to the home of Alec d’Urberville, both to claim kin and potentially earn a husband. Instead, Tess is seduced by the rakish Alec and returns home pregnant, believing herself to be corrupted and unfit for love. Only Angel Clare, a caring man studying to be a gentleman farmer, convinces her otherwise. But Tess’ heartbreaking journey is only beginning, and reaches its conclusion at the altar of Stonehenge. Tess of the d’Urbervilles is a story of romance, rejection, grief, and forgiveness—a timeless classic of the Victorian era.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A theatrical movement that strives to depict everyday life and authentic behavior on stage. It often focuses on domestic settings and psychological depth.
Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress