Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

From the novel by Thomas Hardy
A musical by Alex Loveless

Additional musical arrangement and original orchestrations by Christopher Ash
Orchestrations adapted by Andy Smith

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

From the novel by Thomas Hardy
A musical by Alex Loveless

Additional musical arrangement and original orchestrations by Christopher Ash
Orchestrations adapted by Andy Smith

Overview

Tess of the D’Urbervilles is the story of a farm girl and what happens after she discovers the truth about her family’s illustrious heritage. Tess is seduced by the wealthy Alec D’Urberville and bears him a son who dies in infancy. She later marries Angel Clare, a gentleman farmer, but he learns of her past with Alec and abandons her. To support her family, Tess agrees to become Alec’s mistress. When Angel returns, Tess murders Alec in a fit of passion. The police track Tess and Angel to Stonehenge. As Tess is led to the gallows, she imagines what life could have been had she never discovered her ancestry.

Tess of the D’Urbervilles is scored in a “through-composed” style. The score incorporates a range of musical styles, from folk and church music to operetta. Containing timeless themes – including the sacrificial nature of true faith and virtue versus moral absolutism, religious dogma and fanaticism; the place of women in society; and an examination of the true nature of nobility – Tess has lost none of its power or relevance since its first publication.

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Cautions

  • Caution Mild Adult Mild Adult Themes

Details

  • Genre: Adaptation (Literature), Period
  • Time Period: Victorian (British and American), 19th Century
  • Cast Attributes: Ensemble Cast, Expandable Casting, Role(s) for Teen(s), Flexible Cast Size, Room for Extras, Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle), Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle), Role(s) for Senior Actor(s)
  • Target Audience: Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)

Authors

Alex Loveless

Alex trained in musical composition at the London College of Music and is the composer / lyricist / librettist of Tess of the D’Urbervilles (New Wimbledon Studio Theatre, 2014), Bel-Ami (Watermans Theatre / Charing Cross Theatre, 2014), The Remains Of The Day (Union Theatre, ...
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Author

Thomas Hardy