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The play opened on 16 January 1985 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey, and transferred to the Old Vic in London on 5 February 1985.
Summary:
The action takes place in Vienna in the early years of the 20th Century.
Julian (Anthony Hopkins), a famous painter, has deserted two women: Gabriele (Ann Lynn) and Irene (Samantha Eggar). Gabriele promptly marries professor Wegrat, now also a famous painter, and gives him a son, Felix (Colin Firth), now 23, who is actually Julian's son. As the curtain rises, Gabriele is ill and dying; Felix knows nothing... Julian now wants a son, with the ostentatious intensity of those who leave the upbringing of their children to someone else.
Cast:
Basil Hoskins - Professor Wegrat, Director of the Academy of Painters
Ann Lynn - Gabriele, wife
Colin Firth - Felix, son
Christina Nagy - Johanna, daughter
Anthony Hopkins - Julian Fichtner
Alan Dobie - Stephan von Sala
Samantha Eggar - Irene Herms
Rupert Frazer - Dr. Franz Reumann
John Darrell - Sala's Manservant
Richard Henry Edwards - Fichtner's Manservant
Andrea Brooks - Wegrat's Maid
David Bauckham - Hospital Attendant
