Based on the autobiographical writings of Lillian Hellman. A sensitive, revealing
portrait of one of our theatre's immortals, which captures both the feisty, combative
public persona and the compassionate, humorous woman known only to those of
closer acquaintance.
'...powerful and satisfying characterization...' -Variety.
'...it works absorbingly as ribald, poignant entertainment.' -Time.
'Her words remain a stirring expression of bravery and integrity during a time of
witch hunts.' -NY Times.
'An evening of stunning, absorbing theater.' -Newhouse Newspapers.
THE STORY: The setting is an austere waiting room in a New York
hospital, where Lillian Hellman awaits the death of her longtime companion, Dashiell
Hammett. As she maintains her vigil, Miss Hellman's mind is flooded with memories:
her exciting but tempestuous years with Hammett; her girlhood in New Orleans and
New York; reminiscences of her beloved parents; and her days of success and failure a
s an artist and a public figure committed to liberal causes (some of which brought her
into sharp conflict with the powers-that-be). With occasional pauses to peer into the
adjoining (offstage) sick room, she recalls the people and incidents that shaped her
life-glittering figures from the worlds of Hollywood and the New York theatre, literary
giants who were both friends and foes, and dearly loved personal associates like her
black nanny, Sophronia, who perhaps more than any other, helped her to gain her
burning social consciousness. In the end the play is both a tour de force for an
accomplished actress, and also a vital, fascinating, sometimes funny, sometimes
sad, but always compelling portrait of a remarkable woman--and artist--whose
contributions both to the theatre and the conscience of our nation will never be forgotten.
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