Guide to the Stage direction and dialogue for Oliver Twist manuscript, 1865Stage direction and dialogue for Oliver Twist manuscript C0254Published by George Mason University Libraries Contact Information:Fenwick Library (2FL) George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444 USA Phone: (703) 993-2220 Fax: (703) 993-8911 Email: speccoll@gmu.edu URL: http://scrc.gmu.edu Historical InformationCharles Dickens's novels, including "Oliver Twist," were frequently dramatized in both Europe and America, even during the author's lifetime in the 19th century. As Marc Cohen notes in an article in the Dickensian, these theatrical versions were all unauthorized until 1844, when the first authorized adaptation of a Dickens novella, "A Christmas Carol," was produced. Cohen also points out that copyright laws in the United Kingdom and the United States did not protect Dickens's right to prevent or profit from such adaptations. The 1865 "Oliver Twist" produced at Wallack's Theatre in New York City was most likely one of these unauthorized dramatizations. Return to the Table of Contents Scope and ContentThis bound manuscript contains handwritten stage directions handwritten dialogue for a dramatized version of "Oliver Twist." It was presumably used in productions that were presented in New York City at Wallack's Theatre in 1865. An advertisement and cast list for the production is pasted on the inside cover of the manuscript. Another advertisement for the play is pasted on the inside back cover. Return to the Table of Contents ArrangementThe manuscript is arranged by acts of the play, with stage directions on the left side and dialogue on the right side of every two page spread. This is a single item collection. Return to the Table of Contents RestrictionsAccess RestrictionsThere are no access restrictions. Use RestrictionsThere are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the Stage direction and dialogue for Oliver Twist manuscript must be obtained from Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries. Return to the Table of Contents Index Terms
Persons:Twist, Oliver, Fictitious character
Corporate Names:Wallack Company (New York, N.Y.)
Subjects:Theatre--New York--New York.
Return to the Table of Contents Administrative InformationPreferred CitationStage direction and dialogue for Oliver Twist manuscript, C0254, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries. Acquisition InformationPurchased by George Mason University Libraries before 2008. Processing InformationProcessing completed by Elizabeth Beckman in April 2015. EAD markup completed by Elizabeth Beckman in April 2015. Finding aid updated by Amanda Brent in April 2020. Return to the Table of Contents BibliographyCohen, Marc D. "How Dickens Co-opted the British Theatrical Adaptation Industry in 1844, Part I," The Dickensian: Summer 2012; Proquest Research Library, 126-140. |