[Gutenberg 58260] • La Samaritaine / Évangile en trois tableaux, en vers

This is a new English prose version offered by Genge Press of Edmond Rostand's poetic and lyrical verse drama about the Samaritan woman who was converted by Jesus at Jacob's Well. This play is closely based on the story recounted in St John's Gospel, and stresses the spiritual aspects of Christianity. It was written for Sarah Bernhardt, the great star of the French theatre of the day, who first performed it at Easter 1897, the same year of Rostand's great success in December with his play, 'Cyrano de Bergerac'.

The theme of 'The Woman of Samaria' is the power of God's love to transform our lives. All Rostand's plays contain a 'lesson for the soul', intended to be 'caught rather than taught' while we enjoy his work. In the first tableau, the Samaritan woman, called Photine and played originally by Sarah Bernhardt at the height of her powers, is inspired in the first tableau, by Jesus's teaching beside Jacob's Well, to change her life from one of self-indulgent sensuality to one inspired by the love of God and her fellow human beings. The second tableau is set in the nearby town, where, after a dramatic intervention by a Roman centurion, she manages to persuade her neighbours to return with her to the well to hear Jesus's teaching. The third tableau offers the amazing sight of all the townspeople returning in the distance to the well with her, singing psalms and wreathed in flowers. The final scene brought tears even to the actors, as townspeople and disciples sit beside Jesus to hear his teaching of love. The lyricism and gentleness of Rostand's words, along with the visual beauty of the settings he creates, make this a memorable and moving drama. The serious message is enhanced by some humour at the expense of the disciples accompanying Jesus. Apart from the second tableau, the teaching and story closely follow St John's Gospel. The language is modern, the message still relevant to us all today.

This English kindle version was first published by Genge Press in paperback in 2015, together with an English version of another Rostand play, 'The Last Night of Don Juan', under the title 'Sacred and Profane Love'.