Noël Coward
A Dream of Youth
Works Info
Composer:Noël CowardGenre:VocalStyle:Vocal MusicCompose Date:1928Average_duration:3:51Noël Coward's 'A Dream of Youth' is a one-act play that was first performed on 22nd June 1925 at the Lyric Theatre in London. The play is a satirical take on the youth culture of the 1920s and explores the themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness. The play is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different stage in the life of the protagonist, Tony. In the first movement, Tony is a young man who is full of ambition and dreams of becoming a successful writer. He is in love with a woman named Joan, but their relationship is complicated by his desire for success and her desire for a more stable life. In the second movement, Tony has achieved his dream of becoming a successful writer, but he is unhappy and unfulfilled. He is now married to Joan, but their relationship is strained, and he is having an affair with a younger woman named Daphne. He is also struggling with writer's block and is unable to produce any new work. In the final movement, Tony is an old man who is reflecting on his life. He realizes that he has wasted his youth chasing after success and that he has lost the things that truly mattered to him, such as his relationship with Joan. He is now alone and unhappy, and he wishes that he could go back in time and make different choices. The play is characterized by Coward's trademark wit and humor, as well as his ability to capture the spirit of the times. It is a commentary on the youth culture of the 1920s, which was characterized by a desire for freedom and self-expression. The play also explores the themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, which are universal and timeless. Overall, 'A Dream of Youth' is a poignant and thought-provoking play that offers a glimpse into the human condition. It is a testament to Coward's talent as a playwright and his ability to capture the essence of the times in which he lived.More....