The Emperor Jones

By Eugene O'Neill

Published in volume Anna Christie & The Emperor Jones: two plays

An expressionistic chronicle of a black dictator's flight from his oppressed subjects.

Brutus Jones rules his island's citizens from his opulent palace with tyrannical ease – until the day that they all disappear. They have retreated to the hills, following their former native leader Lem, and plan to revolt. It is time for the Emperor to make good his escape.

Eugene O'Neill's play The Emperor Jones was first performed at the Playwrights' Theater, New York, in November 1920. Its UK premiere was at the Ambassadors' Theatre, London, in September 1925.

Press Quotes

'The first serious American play about black experience... a historic landmark and a shattering piece of theatre'

Guardian

Cast: 1f 3m

Staging:Flexible staging

Performing rights not held by Nick Hern Books

Series: NHB Classic Plays

Imprint: Nick Hern Books

Published in volume Anna Christie & The Emperor Jones: two plays

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