Spring Awakening - the play

[overthemoon419]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 9:39pm

I'm finding many versions of the play. Those of you who have read it, which one would you recommend?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 9:49pm

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1557832455/sr=8-1/qid=1174873697/ref=dp_image_0/002-6635325-1836066?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1174873697&sr=8-1

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 9:56pm

Seconding the Eric Bentley suggestion.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 9:59pm

That is the one I read.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:18pm

I bought the Bentley version at the theatre- it has an amazing introduction section with some very interesting history about the show.

[Plum]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:20pm

TinyURL is your friend. So, for that matter, is the "Optional Link" field.

There's also a Jonathan Franzen translation of the play, though I think it's only been performed once.

[think_of_me2007]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:37pm

I've read the Bently version.
I recommend it, but then again, it was the only version I found

[AC126748]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:40pm

Ted Hughes' translation is piercing. Douglas Langworthy's translation is quite good; sadly, though, it's never been published.

[DezBryner]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:41pm

Would anyone recommend reading the play before seeing the musical?? or is it better to experience it fresh??

[think_of_me2007]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:42pm

I think it helped interpreting(understanding) some of the scenes, but it will spoil it.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:43pm

Bentley! That's the one I read and the information in the Intro. is great as well.

[Marlene]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 10:46pm

I read the Ted Hughes translation. I don't have anythign to compare it to, but it was good...

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 11:14pm

I read Bentley's.

[overthemoon419]

Posted: 3/26/07 at 1:30am

Thanks, everyone -- I ended up picking up Bentley's.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 3/26/07 at 2:00am

I've performed the Ted Hughes translation. I haven't read the Bentley version, but I've compared some passages and I think Hughes's works better. The way he uses the language is beautiful.

~Steven

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 11:12pm

To those who've performed it -

There are 30-odd characters...how can you double/triple it? Who plays whom?

[A Director]

Posted: 5/20/08 at 1:00am

I directed the play and used a translation by Edward Bond. Before picking this translation, I read the one by Eric Bentley which was so-so and one by Tom Osborn which was performed at the Royal Court in 1963. I liked the Osborn, but the rights were not available. I don't know anything about Frazen's translation. I read somewhere he hates the musical.

Any Bentley translation is of historical interest, but there are better translations. I'm familiar with Douglas Langworthy's translation of The Good Person of Szechuan which is better than Bentley's translation.

Back to SA, Bentley mistranslates the title as Spring's Awakening. The season isn't awakening. As for casting, I had some of the actors who played schoolboys double as boys in the reformatory.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 5/20/08 at 1:04am

"Would anyone recommend reading the play before seeing the musical?? or is it better to experience it fresh??"

I would see the show first that way nothing is spoiled for you. Then go back and read the play to help clarify any scenes, but remember, there are differences.

[LittlexFallxOfxRain]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 7:58pm

I read Bentley, which seems to be the popular one, but that's the only version I've read.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 8:00pm

I've read a few...Franzen's is my favorite. It's the most accessable.