To most Americans, Figaro—one of the world's most famous rogues—is known only as a character in the great operas by Rossini and Mozart. But the composers based their operas on plays written by Beaumarchais—plays which affected our lives directly since they and their author helped give birth to democracy through the American and French Revolutions. The Barber of Seville premiered February 23, 1775.

This play and The Marriage of Figaro are the comedies upon which Rossini and Mozart based their great operas. Our adaptations, both one-acts, provide a timely introduction to Figaro which will have your students asking to see the operas. Each play is completely enjoyable alone, or they are ideal as partners for an evening of one-act plays. Set in and around the home of Dr. Bartolo in Seville in the 18th century.

Highly intelligent, energetic, and ambitious, Figaro wanted more than anything to be rich and famous so he could enjoy the splendid life of 18th century France. But he had no chance of succeeding because he was born a second-class citizen, and life for him and the other servants was so unbearable that whispers of revolt drifted through the musty air of the servants' quarters. The tricks Figaro thinks up to get even with the aristocrats produce one of the world's funniest comedies.

Bellow Free Academy won the top award in a Vermont state contest with this adaptation.

A Director's Script (prompt book) is available from the publisher of this play. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

Other Clark adaptations: As You Like It, Cain: a Mystery, Cyrano de Bergerac, Doctor in Spite of Himself, Gondoliers, Importance of Being Earnest, Macbeth, The Pot Boiler, School for Husbands, She Stoops to Conquer

See also: Plays About Prejudice and Injustice