The Immoralist (play)

The Immoralist is a play written by Augustus and Ruth Goetz based on the novel of the same name by André Gide. The original production starred James Dean, Louis Jourdan, and Geraldine Page.

The Immoralist
Written byAugustus Goetz
Ruth Goetz
Date premiered8 February 1954
Place premieredRoyale Theater, New York
Original languageEnglish
Genredrama
SettingNormandy, France. Biskra, North Africa. November 1900 - 1901

Plot

A gay archaeologist marries partly in hope of curbing his homosexual instincts. He is unable to consummate the marriage so the pair travel from Normandy to Algeria for a honeymoon, hoping that will kindle some romance. The husband is seduced by their Arab houseboy, but this allows him to sleep with his wife, who falls pregnant.

Cast
Character Broadway (1954) Off-Broadway (1963)
Michel Louis Jordan Frank Langella
Marcelline Geraldine Page Marcie Hubert
Bocage Charles Dingle Albert Ottenheimer
Bachir James Dean Richard Manuel
Dolit Bill Gunn Ric Fields
Dr. Robert John Heldabrand Tom Klunis
Dr. Garrin Paul Huber David Metcalf
Sidma Adelaide Klein Marian Carr
Moktir David J. Stewart Cal Bellini

Background

The play was produced by Billy Rose and was adapted by Ruth and Augustus Goetz. The original director was Herman Shumlin.

Jourdan and Page had very different approaches to acting which resulted in a difficult rehearsal process. James Dean's behaviour was erratic as well. At the beginning of try outs, Rose replaced Schumlin with Daniel Mann; he also wanted to fire Dean but Page insisted the actor stay.[1]

"Dean was not very happy playing the young Arab," recalled his friend Hal Hackady later. "He didn't like the plot. I also believe he didn't like playing a homosexual on Broadway. He felt uncomfortable."[2]

Elia Kazan saw the show during previews and offered Dean a role in East of Eden. Dean quit the show on opening night.[3] He was replaced by Phillip Pine. The show ran for 96 performances.

References
  1. The Immoralist at louisjourdan.net
  2. James Dean in New York, American Legends accessed 25 January 2014
  3. Paul Alexander, "The Woman who Made James Dean a Star", The Guardian 22 September 2005 accessed 25 Jan 2014
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