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capy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Gilda: Yes, I hear voices. I hear my own voice louder than any of the others, and it's beginning to bore
me. Would you describe me as a super-egoist, Ernest?
Ernest: Yes, dear.
Gilda: Thinking of myself too much, and not enough of other people?
Ernest: No. Thinking of other people too much through yourself.
Gilda: How can anyone do otherwise?
a carefree 1930s romp about polyamory, which i imagine would be spicy at the time. the play is filled with good banter and witty (yet often pretentious) dialogue, it doesn't exactly explore the nuance of a throuple, but it celebrates the freedom to choose happiness first which i adored
If you were creative yourself you'd understand better. As it is, you know a lot. You know an awful lot. Your critical faculty is first rate. I'd rather have your opinion on paintings or books or plays than anyone else's I know. But you're liable to get sidetracked if you're not careful. Life is for living first and foremost. Even for artists, life is for living. Remember that.
i loved the lighthearted ending note but, above all else, i found the general tone of the play SO refreshing, the fact that being queer isn't a central issue or something to fit into what society was at the time — it ignores all of those implications (to a fault, yes!) and it sticks with "all vibes, no plot" which worked for me
hunky_dory_1971's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
perditism's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“we’re all of a piece, the three of us.”
Coward bites dysfunctional relationships to the quick; dragging the glittery, putrid entrails of love in its most unconventional forms, he adorns his witty dialogue with the lot. Highly recommend the Lubitsch’s 1933 adaptation, by the way - pre-code goodness with my favorite bit on “gentlemen agreements”.
Coward bites dysfunctional relationships to the quick; dragging the glittery, putrid entrails of love in its most unconventional forms, he adorns his witty dialogue with the lot. Highly recommend the Lubitsch’s 1933 adaptation, by the way - pre-code goodness with my favorite bit on “gentlemen agreements”.
cariadreads's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
uncreativeoops's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very pretentious characters but I loved them, and their dynamic was really fascinating, especially because it's pretty unusual at least in fiction. It is a comedy but topics like unconvential ways of living, being in love with more than one person, and acceptance were quite sincere. The ending and message was actually pretty wholesome and this could totally be turned into a queer feelgood romcom.
radioheadgirl's review against another edition
3.0
7/10 play, I liked it concluding with egregious laughter
elizabethlk's review against another edition
3.0
I'll be honest, I watched the Lubitsch film Design for Living recently and really loved it, so I've been wanting to read the play. I went for the LA Theater Works recording so I could enjoy a quality performance as well. I went in knowing that the two were different and was surprised at just how different. I honestly enjoy the movie more, but the play is still an enjoyable experience. It didn't blow me away but it's solid enough.
miguelafonso_serra's review against another edition
4.0
Noel Coward uses his wit again to present us the love life of three pretentious artists who should have known the solution for their troubles much sooner.
The play was published in 1932 and it's definitely waaay ahead of its time, portraying a polyamourous relationship in a modern society, even though sometimes it still shows some old-fashioned traits about the way society sees woman and what they must be in order to be "respectful". I kind of see a few of Oscar Wilde's vibe in Coward's work, due to its wittiness and sense of humor. If you're into that, you will definitely enjoy his works.
The play was published in 1932 and it's definitely waaay ahead of its time, portraying a polyamourous relationship in a modern society, even though sometimes it still shows some old-fashioned traits about the way society sees woman and what they must be in order to be "respectful". I kind of see a few of Oscar Wilde's vibe in Coward's work, due to its wittiness and sense of humor. If you're into that, you will definitely enjoy his works.
dejunker's review against another edition
4.0
It’s a play about polymorphism before it was widely discussed (not that it’s widely discussed now but the fact I know the term). It’s somewhat predictable but seeing the role of Gilda performed well would be a treat since she is nuanced.
izzyeb2310's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia