La Comédienne

In **Theatre** , W. Somerset Maugham–the author of the classic novels **Of

Human Bondage** and **Up at the Villa** –introduces us to Julia Lambert, a

woman of breathtaking poise and talent whose looks have stood by her forty-six

years. She is one of the greatest actresses England–so good, in fact, that

perhaps she never stops acting.

It seems that noting can ruffle her satin feathers, until a quiet stranger who

challenges Julia's very sense of self. As a result, she will endure rejection

for the first time, her capacity as a mother will be affronted, and her

ability to put on whatever face she desired for her public will prove limited.

In **Theatre** , Maugham subtly exposes the tensions and triumphs that occur

when acting and reality blend together, and–for Julia–ultimately reverse.