Hysteria: Fragments of an Analysis of an Obsessional Neurosis (Modern Plays) - Softcover

Johnson, Terry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472557530 ISBN 13: 9781472557537

Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2013

Synopsis

1938. Hampstead, London. Sigmund Freud has fled Nazi-occupied Austria and settled in leafy Swiss Cottage. At eighty-two-years-old, he aims to spend his final days in peace. However, when Salvador Dalí turns up to discover a less-than-fully dressed woman in the closet, peace becomes somewhat elusive . . .

An acknowledged modern classic, Terry Johnson's hilarious farce explores the fall-out when two of the twentieth century's most brilliant and original minds collide. It touches on many themes including Nazi Germany, the Surrealist movement, Judaism, Freud's theories of the unconscious mind, family relationships, life and death, and love and loss.

Johnson's celebrated play raises intriguing questions about Freud's radical revision of his theories of hysteria.

About this title

Review:

Terry Johnson is a writer of cracking acting parts, and one of the critically cherished few who can build characters and action from a thematic starting point. --Independent on Sunday

Terry Johnson is that rare creature: a moralist with wit. He writes with responsible gaiety. --Guardian

About the Author:

Terry Johnson's work as a playwright includes a version of Edward Ravenscroft's The London Cuckolds, Dead Funny, and Hysteria. He is the recipient of major British theatre awards including Playwright of the Year 1995; Critics' Circle Best New Play 1995; Writers' Guild Best West End Play 1995; Olivier Award Best Comedy 1994; the Meyer-Whitworth Award 1993; and the John Whiting Award 1991. He also won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for his production of La Cage aux Folles. His play Piano/Forte premiered at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs in 2006.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1472557530
• ISBN 13: 9781472557537
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112