The Roper
Discover the True Tale of the Strangest Heist in American History!Step into the shadowy world of 19th-century crime with The Roper, a gripping play by Will Dunne. When a small-time crook is recruited by the Secret Service to infiltrate an Irish counterfeiting ring, he thinks he's found an easy score. But as he delves deeper, he uncovers a plot more audacious-and dangerous-than he ever imagined: a scheme that will go down as one of history's strangest and most infamous crimes: the theft of Abraham Lincoln's corpse.Based on a true story, The Roper weaves a tense web of betrayal, ambition, and moral reckoning. With sharp dialogue, vivid characters, and a razor's-edge pace, this play is a must-see for lovers of crime, history, and high-stakes drama.Will our petty criminal outwit the gang-and the government-or will the rope tighten around his own neck? Don't miss this riveting tale of loyalty, greed, and the thin line between law and lawlessness.Perfect for fans of historical thrillers and true crime stories, The Roper will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Reunion
For all who couldn't get enough of Funeral Tea, we now offer this right bonny sequel. In Reunion, the same gaggle of ladies preside over Jacob's ashes, as Jacob has asked that they gather to drink his homemade wine and read his will. They learn that they all receive some compensation for reluctantly providing for him. All they have to do is find the money. When they can't read his writing and become increasingly drunk, it looks rather doubtful they'll find anything other than pink elephants. And don't forget to check out the third play in the series - Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust.
The Court of Endless Dusk
The Court of Endless DuskIn a realm shrouded in eternal twilight, where shadows breathe and secrets writhe in the dark, the Vale is held captive by the tyrannical Queen of Endless Dusk. Her Court is a place of power and peril, where light is devoured, and hope is a fragile memory. When healer Evanna is thrust into this realm of manipulation and menace, she discovers that her destiny is bound to the Court in ways she could never have imagined.With the enigmatic and haunted Callen as her reluctant ally, Evanna embarks on a treacherous journey through the Court's shifting labyrinths and dark truths. Together, they face trials that test the limits of their courage, unravel mysteries buried deep within the shadows, and uncover a history steeped in betrayal and sacrifice.But as they challenge the Queen's reign, a darker force emerges: the heir to the Court, a child born of shadow and sacrifice, who threatens to tip the delicate balance between light and dark. To save the Vale, Evanna and Callen must confront not only the Queen's wrath but the deepest fears and flaws within themselves.In a world where love and sacrifice are the only weapons against an unrelenting darkness, Evanna and Callen's choices will shape the future of the Vale-and determine whether the dusk will bring destruction or a new dawn.The Court of Endless Dusk is a gripping tale of courage, redemption, and the enduring fight for light in a world teetering on the edge of oblivion. Perfect for fans of atmospheric fantasy and intricate, emotional storytelling, this novel will keep you breathless until the very last page.
Friedrich D羹rrenmatt
These translations of Friedrich D羹rrenmatt's plays introduce the writer to a new generation of readers. The Swiss writer Friedrich D羹rrenmatt (1921-90) was one of the most important literary figures of the second half of the twentieth century. During the years of the cold war, arguably only Beckett, Camus, Sartre, and Brecht rivaled him as a presence in European letters. Yet outside Europe, this prolific author is primarily known for only one work, The Visit. D羹rrenmatt's concerns are timeless, but they are also the product of his Swiss vantage during the cold war: his key plays, gathered in the first volume of Selected Writings, explore such themes as guilt by passivity, the refusal of responsibility, greed and political decay, and the tension between justice and freedom. In The Visit, for instance, an old lady who becomes the wealthiest person in the world returns to the village that cast her out as a young woman and offers riches to the town in exchange for the life of the man, now its mayor, who once disgraced her. Joel Agee's crystalline translation gives a fresh lease to this play, as well as four others: The Physicists, Romulus the Great, Hercules and the Augean Stables, and The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi. D羹rrenmatt has long been considered a great writer, but one unfairly neglected in the modern world of letters. With these elegantly conceived and expertly translated volumes, a new generation of readers will rediscover his greatest works.
Theatres of Autofiction
This Element is the first monograph to focus on the presence and popularity of autofiction in contemporary theatre, a mode characterised by its mixture of autobiographical and fictional materials and generally associated with the cutting edge of literary fiction. To do so, it brings frameworks from literary and theatre studies to bear on a recent upsurge in plays that explicitly mobilise lived experience and its fictionalisation to political ends. Considering a comparative corpus of state-subsidised productions in Britain and Europe since the mid 2010s - both adaptations of literary works and plays written for the stage - this Element attends to autofiction's aesthetics and politics through its negotiation on stage of three conceptual binaries, each the focus of a section: fact/fiction, self/other, and inclusion/exclusion. By probing the mode's critical potential and pitfalls, it sheds light on the stakes of self-fictionalising practices in today's cultural markets and on the role of theatre therein.
Nine Irish Plays for Voices
A vibrant collection of short plays bringing Irish history and culture alive through an extraordinary collage of documents, songs, poems, and texts. In Nine Irish Plays for Voices, award-winning poet Eamon Grennan delves deep into key Irish subjects--big, small, literary, historical, political, biographical--and illuminates them for today's audiences and readers. These short plays draw from original material centering on important moments in Irish history and the formation of the Irish Republic, such as the Great Famine and the Easter Rising; the lives of Irish literary figures like Yeats, Joyce, and Lady Gregory; and the crucial and life-changing condition of emigration. The rhythmic, musical, and vivid language of Grennan's plays incorporates traditional song lyrics, lines of Irish poetry, and letters and speeches of the time. The result is a dramatic collage that tells a story through the voices of characters contemporary to the period of the play's subject. By presenting subjects through the dramatic rendering of the human voice, the plays facilitate a close, intimate relationship between players and the audience, creating an incredibly powerful connection to the past. Historical moments and literary figures that might seem remote to the present-day reader or audience become immediate and emotionally compelling. One of the plays, Ferry, is drawn entirely from the author's imagination. It puts unnamed char-acters who come from the world of twentieth-century Ireland on a boat to the underworld with the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. On their journey the five strangers, played by two voices, tell stories about their lives, raising the question of how language both captures and transforms lived experience. Addressing the Great Famine, Hunger uses documentary evidence to give audiences a dramatic feel for what has been a silent and traumatic element in Irish history. Noramollyannalivi-alucia: The Muse and Mr. Joyce is a one-woman piece that depicts James Joyce's wife as an older woman sharing her memories and snippets from the works of her husband. Also included in this rich volume is the author's adaptation of Synge's Aran Islands, as well as Emigration Road, History! Reading the Easter Rising, The Muse and Mr. Yeats, The Loves of Lady Gregory, and Peig: An Ordinary Life.
Theatres of Autofiction
This Element is the first monograph to focus on the presence and popularity of autofiction in contemporary theatre, a mode characterised by its mixture of autobiographical and fictional materials and generally associated with the cutting edge of literary fiction. To do so, it brings frameworks from literary and theatre studies to bear on a recent upsurge in plays that explicitly mobilise lived experience and its fictionalisation to political ends. Considering a comparative corpus of state-subsidised productions in Britain and Europe since the mid 2010s - both adaptations of literary works and plays written for the stage - this Element attends to autofiction's aesthetics and politics through its negotiation on stage of three conceptual binaries, each the focus of a section: fact/fiction, self/other, and inclusion/exclusion. By probing the mode's critical potential and pitfalls, it sheds light on the stakes of self-fictionalising practices in today's cultural markets and on the role of theatre therein.
Lunar Claw
Lunar Claw is a gripping tale of power, destiny, and the shadows that haunt every choice. Centuries-old and steeped in legend, the Lunar Claw is a mysterious artifact that holds the power to unite or destroy the werewolf clans. For Kian, a young and fearless wolf shifter, the Claw becomes both a weapon and a curse, its ancient power awakening within him at a time when his pack teeters on the edge of destruction.When a ruthless faction bent on controlling the Claw's power launches a brutal attack on Kian's home, he must embark on a perilous journey to uncover the artifact's secrets before it falls into the wrong hands. Alongside his loyal companions-Lyra, the sharp-minded strategist, and Garreth, a warrior torn between his own demons-Kian races against time, battling enemies both outside and within.As the Claw's influence grows, Kian is forced to confront his deepest fears and desires, and the very essence of his identity begins to unravel. Ancient forces long thought dormant stir beneath the surface, and Kian realizes that his true enemy may not be the warlords pursuing him-but the darkness that the Claw has awakened within his soul.Lunar Claw is a high-stakes, suspense-filled journey through a world where loyalty is tested, secrets are buried in blood, and survival demands sacrifices no one can afford. Every moment is a choice between unity and ruin, light and shadow, and the consequences of wielding power that might ultimately consume them all. A thrilling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, earth-shattering revelation.
The Billionaire Nobody Saw
The Billionaire Nobody Saw is a gripping, suspenseful love story set against a backdrop of power, betrayal, and redemption. Jacob Montgomery, heir to a corrupt empire built by his ruthless father, has spent his life running from the shadow of his inheritance. After the empire crumbles, Jacob believes he can finally escape his past and build a life based on love and integrity. However, when hidden truths and cryptic messages from his father resurface, Jacob finds himself caught in a web of manipulation, facing choices that threaten to drag him back into the world he fought so hard to escape.Clara, a woman who has seen the strength in Jacob even when he doubted himself, stands by his side through it all. As their love grows stronger, so does the realization that their fight isn't over. The past is never truly gone, and the legacy of power and control lingers, threatening everything they've built. Together, they must confront not only the forces trying to pull them back into the darkness but also the ghosts of their own doubts.In this heart-pounding tale of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, Jacob and Clara must navigate the complexities of their past and the choices that define their future. The Billionaire Nobody Saw is a story of hope, transformation, and the enduring power of love in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Pathway Paradox
The Pathway Paradox by Otilia Nicoleta Florea is a captivating and deeply moving tale inspired by the real-life experiences of Hannah. Through masterful storytelling, this poignant narrative explores the intricate themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and resilience.From a turbulent childhood filled with adversity to the courageous journey of overcoming life's greatest challenges, Hannah's story unfolds with raw emotion and profound transformation. Each page offers powerful lessons in self-discovery, unwavering strength, and the enduring light of hope, leaving readers both inspired and uplifted.A heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of family bonds and the unpredictable twists of life, The Pathway Paradox will resonate deeply with anyone seeking solace, empowerment, and the courage to embrace life's uncertainties. Perfect for readers yearning for stories of healing, fortitude, and redemption, this book is more than a narrative-it is a celebration of the human spirit.
Bentboy
"Each pathway is created by the single steps of many who go before..." Deep in a forest, in another time, begins the story of a child called Bentboy. Hunched and hobbled by his curved back, Bentboy is cast aside by his village--until one day, when he is chosen by an elder to embark on a quest to save the village from grave danger. And so begins his epic adventure, and a tale both treacherous and tender. Along the way, Bentboy encounters an uninvited companion, and the two are plunged into a world that comes to life in perilous and astonishing ways. Each on their own path, it will become a journey that transforms them both.
Forever Young
In a Jewish ghetto at the height of the Second World War, a group of youths organize what will become known as the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Izzy, Eden, Joshua and Christian are young socialist revolutionaries from different backgrounds who are trapped in a room under hopeless circumstances. Their task is clear: they must form a new military organization against the Nazis and convince their elders that the Ghetto must fight. The cadre of brilliant, brave and often hilarious characters express their passions and desires as fiercely as they fight for their right to exist in the face of annihilation. This story of youth, revolution, and betrayal in Poland, 1943, is written for today, with a clear message about how to fight for the changes we need.
Beyond the Sea
Theo is a recently single man with self-image problem, Gwen is a good-humoured loner who works the ticket booth for a local boat tour company. On a summer day on a pier in a small town, the two strangers stumble into an encounter that just might save them both. Beyond the Sea is a story about the emergence of hope through grief, via two unforgettable characters.
The Theft
Cornelio, an old doctor, has lost his wife and daughter during the Sack of Rome and his son Valerio in a shipwreck. He now wants to marry Camilla, who however loves Mario. To escape, in turn, from marrying Valerio's widow, Mario then suggests that Camilla run away with him. Meanwhile, Aurelia has been captured by pirates from her father, Guicciardo Gualandi, and is in the hands of their leader, Rinuccio Corso. But Gismondo Castrucci, who's in love with her, pretends to be her real father and promises Rinuccio a reward of one hundred and fifty scudi for her release....This publication presents a new edition, with the first English translation, of the Italian Renaissance comedy The Theft (Il Furto) by Francesco D'Ambra. The Theft was originally performed in Florence in 1544 for the Accademia Fiorentina and for Duke Cosimo I de' Medici of Florence and subsequently grand duke of Tuscany. The Theft is the work of an accomplished and revered dramaturge. Although performances of dramatic works in Florence often featured intermedi - entr'acte musical compositions - in many cases the music composed for them exists only in fragments. But this play is almost unique in the history of the Italian Renaissance theater and music because the intermedio materials survive in their entirety. The volume includes scholarly editions of Francesco D'Ambra's and Ugo Martelli's original Italian texts. Vanni Bramanti uses all the relevant primary sources and provides a critical apparatus to the text and an introduction to the playwright and the play. Linda L. Carroll presents an authoritative facing English annotated translation of the text. It also offers Alexander Dean's edition of the entr'acte music and Anthony M. Cummings' introduction to poet Ugo Martelli's and composer Francesco Corteccia's entr'actes. Dual-language drama. Preface, introductions, plot summary, appendix, notes, and bibliography. 324 pages.
The coven in the Woods
The Coven in the Woods is a heart-pounding paranormal romance that weaves a tale of forbidden magic, dark secrets, and a love that defies the boundaries of reality. When Kael, a gifted yet tormented young man, stumbles upon an ancient coven hidden deep within a mysterious forest, he unknowingly steps into a world where witches and shadowy forces collide. The coven, bound by ancient magic and hidden from the world, has long guarded a powerful secret-a power so dangerous it could change the very fabric of existence.As Kael becomes entangled with the coven's enigmatic leader, Lira, their forbidden bond grows, and they are forced to confront a terrible truth: the coven's magic is not the only force at play. An ancient darkness, sealed away for centuries, is beginning to rise, threatening not only the coven's existence but the entire world. The darkness seeks to reclaim its dominion, and Kael may be the only one capable of stopping it-but at a terrible cost.As Kael and Lira's love deepens, they must navigate treacherous alliances, hidden enemies, and the complexities of the ancient magic that pulses through their veins. Together, they must face the shadows lurking in the forest, uncover the truths buried in the past, and fight against the very forces threatening to tear them apart. But as the final battle looms, they realize that their greatest challenge may not lie in the forces of darkness-but in the sacrifices they must make for a future together.The Coven in the Woods is a tale of love, destiny, and the struggle between light and dark, where the line between good and evil is blurred, and the power of the heart may be the only thing capable of saving them all.
Turned
Reality is an illusionSomething isn't right in Addison Rae's head. Things have changed and reality doesn't seem real. The dead mayor is alive and her brother was never born. Unable to believe her memories, she struggles with who she can trust. Laszlo S獺ndor could hold the answers, but is her life and sanity safe in his hands?Assassin Laszlo has a contract to kill Addison Rae. When an armed team raid her house, he must choose. Let her die and cover up the politician's mess or masquerade as a support worker, change her mind and hide the truth.Can she conquer him or will she lose more than her brother?
Old Soldier Never Dies (a Play)
In a country where dead soldiers of war are yearly memorialised in a pomp ceremony, the retired veterans are left in poverty. Propelled by their frustrations, a group of ex-service men decide to confront government about their plight on Armed Forces Remembrance Day. A cordon of law enforcers are hell-bent on stopping them...
On The Rocks
On the Rocks is the story of my journey through the death of my marriage, and the days, weeks and years that that led up to the hot summer day when my husband announced that he wanted a divorce.From the outside, it looked like we had it all: happy, healthy kids, successful careers, a beautiful home in the country, cars and toys and travel. On the inside, we had physical and emotional abuse, addiction to alcohol, little lies and bigger ones, and an affair that shattered whatever trust I even had left. In the end, I learned the hard way that we can't trust anyone else until we learn to trust ourselves, and the voice that speaks inside all of us."You did such a good job of conveying how you were feeling. I think a lot of women will be able to relate and I think it can also help other women who will be nodding their heads, saying "Amen" while reading it! LOVE! 'A real father would not watch his wife leave their children when he should have been the one to go.' I found myself out loud and in tears, "So true!" - J.M.
Come Back Kinda Love
Come Back Kinda Love is a story of timing, meeting the right person at the right time at the right moment, when a heart is open and ready to love. When Erika collides with John on a Saturday night in late September, she is just beginning the recovery from her divorce, unprepared for the rush of emotions that comes with meeting the man who at first night appears to be so right. Over the next several months, they come together for brief moments, until Erika decides that it's just not meant to be, at least not then. This is a story about the future, of how the choices we make come back to alter our course in life. But it's also about the past, of how it shapes us, brings us around to the things that matter, at the very moment that we need it most.
The return of the lost Wolf
In the heart of Moonvale, a peaceful wolf pack faces the sudden stirrings of a darkness long hidden in the forest's shadows. Ava, a fierce and determined leader, has led her pack through countless battles, binding them with an unbreakable bond. But when the full moon rises high and an ancient force awakens, the very foundation of their unity is tested like never before.A long-lost wolf returns-Kael, a once-strong warrior who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. His return brings both relief and fear, for he carries with him a dangerous secret. The Void, a shadowy and malevolent force, has been waiting for the right moment to strike, and Kael has unwittingly become its pawn. Torn between his loyalty to the pack and the darkness that seeks to consume him, Kael must find a way to reclaim his true self before it's too late.As Ava and her pack unite to face this overwhelming threat, old rivalries surface, and the wolves are forced to confront their darkest fears. The Woven Star, an ancient artifact with immense power, becomes the key to their survival-but also the object of a deadly game. Ava knows that the future of her pack, her forest, and her very life is at stake. The forces of the Void are relentless, and the battle will test their bonds, their loyalty, and their will to fight for everything they hold dear.With Kael's return, a new chapter begins. But can the pack stand united against a force older than the forest itself? And will Ava's leadership be enough to protect them from the devastating consequences of a battle that threatens not just their world, but the very balance of nature?The Return of the Lost Wolf is a gripping tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy, paranormal romance, and thrilling tales of survival. Join the pack as they howl against the shadows-and discover what it truly means to fight for family, for legacy, and for the future.
A Visual Review of Persian Architecture
Discover the Splendor of Persian Architecture Through the Lens of Kamran AdleStep into the captivating world of Persian architecture as seen through the eyes of Kamran Adle, one of Iran's most celebrated photographers. Born in Tehran in 1941 and educated in France, Adle devoted decades to documenting the evolution of his homeland's urban landscape-from the grandeur of industrial landmarks like the Ahvaz Steel Complex to the meticulous restorations of historical treasures such as the former National Parliament.Adle's remarkable career bridges architecture, journalism, and the arts. As a trusted collaborator, he worked closely with Empress Farah Pahlavi to chronicle the interiors of Iran's museums until 1975. He also partnered with the Aga Khan Cultural Foundation to capture the spirit of cities across the nation. His lens immortalized the vibrancy of the Shiraz Art Festival, the dramatic transformation of urban centers, and the rise of modern infrastructure in mid-20th-century Iran.In 2007, Adle's groundbreaking solo exhibition at the Saba Cultural Centre drew 8,000 visitors on its opening day, showcasing 144 breathtaking photographs and cementing his legacy as a visual historian. His work also celebrates the rich folklore of regions such as Baluchestan and Fars, with international recognition in exhibitions like Cape to Tehran at Gallery MOMO in South Africa (2018).A Visual Review of Persian Architecture: The Pahlavi Period is a deeply evocative tribute to a bygone era, reflecting the architectural ambition and cultural identity of the Pahlavi dynasty. Through Adle's masterful lens, you are invited to explore a time of artistic and architectural grandeur, brought to life with vivid detail and authenticity.
Sonya Kelly's Druid Plays
"Sonya Kelly's rapier wit and intelligent awareness of the human condition, allied to consummate stagecraft skills, have made for what will probably be claimed in a few years' time as one of the hits of the decade." - Sunday Independent Sonya Kelly's Druid Plays is a tour-de-force that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of the human experience. This anthology, a remarkable compilation of Kelly's insightful and witty plays, showcases her distinct voice and unparalleled talent as a playwright. Furniture (2018): in an age of rampant consumerism, is it easier to purchase symbols of identity rather than cultivate our own? Furniture is a humorous, insightful, touching and often philosophical look at who we are and how we'd like to be perceived. Once Upon a Bridge (2021): A tale for a modern age. Early one morning on Putney Bridge, three strangers' lives collided for one fleeting second. Inspired by real events, Once Upon a Bridge weaves a tale about human triumph and frailty, about the power of destiny and chance, and why sometimes we choose to hate, and other times we choose to dance. The Last Return (2022): Once upon a dreary night, five desperate strangers wait in line for a last minute ticket to the final performance of Oppenheimer's sold out smash hit. All they have to do is cross their fingers, be patient and wait their turn. But with more people waiting than tickets available, this is no time for patience, this is time for war. Who will triumph? Who will fail? And who will receive... The Last Return? All three plays were commissioned by Ireland's Druid Theatre and have premiered on stages and in digital productions around the world winning Fringe First Awards, multiple Irish Times Theatre Awards and a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Featuring a new introduction, these plays are published together for the first time in one compelling collection.
The Legends of Them
For the first time in my life, everything was silent.A memory: award-winning reggae pioneer Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee - hears her radio debut from Holloway Prison. Another: she's engulfed in the Brixton uprising sparked by the police shooting of her sister. And now she is here, a silent retreat, seeking spiritual guidance from her brother Mooji, Nanny of the Maroons, and a moment of transcendence. Powered by high-octane musical numbers, virtuoso performance and raucous comedy, The Legends of Themis a breath-taking, roof-raising chronicle of Sutara's singular, extraordinary life - and of the legends that have guided her. Written by Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee the unmissable The Legends of Them was originally performed by Gayle and directed by Jo McInnes.This edition was published to coincide with Hackney Showroom's production at London's Royal Court in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, in December 2024.
