https://www.spreaker.com/show/school-for-greybeards-or-the-mourning-br
Author, Cowley: "I offer the following Comedy to the public, under a circumstance which has given my mind the most exquisite uneasiness. On the morning after the first representation, it was observed by the papers that there had been persons present at the Theatre the previous evening, who went there determined to disapprove at all events." This play of 1786 is based on Aphra Behn's "Lucky Chance" of 100 years earlier. By moving the scenes from London to far away romantic Portugal, Cowley thought to avoid criticism for the way she treated aspects of marriage in the play. She was unsuccessful in this, and had to alter the scripts for continued performances. In the published version on which this recording is based, she had restored the changes she had to make. Cowley explains some of this in an opening address in the publication, herein included at the end of Act 5 to avoid spoilers to the action of the play.]]>enPerforming ArtsCopyright Audiobookshttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/e064b532d5993e395aa432f0b358d13b.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/school-for-greybeards-or-the-mourning-brFri, 18 Sep 2026 09:03:17 +0000Hannah CowleyAudiobooksadfreebooks@gmail.comCowley: "I offer the following Comedy to the public, under a circumstance which has given my mind the most exquisite uneasiness. On the morning after the first representation, it was observed by the papers that there had been persons present at the...
Author, Cowley: "I offer the following Comedy to the public, under a circumstance which has given my mind the most exquisite uneasiness. On the morning after the first representation, it was observed by the papers that there had been persons present at the Theatre the previous evening, who went there determined to disapprove at all events." This play of 1786 is based on Aphra Behn's "Lucky Chance" of 100 years earlier. By moving the scenes from London to far away romantic Portugal, Cowley thought to avoid criticism for the way she treated aspects of marriage in the play. She was unsuccessful in this, and had to alter the scripts for continued performances. In the published version on which this recording is based, she had restored the changes she had to make. Cowley explains some of this in an opening address in the publication, herein included at the end of Act 5 to avoid spoilers to the action of the play.]]>false3d3bde8e-2735-5352-b71f-8ccf8dc433efepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letty-arthur-wing-pinero--73433025https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73433025Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:00:11 +0000Hannah CowleyLetty-Arthur Wing Pinero is a compelling exploration of societal norms and personal identity, encapsulated in the poignant narrative of "A School for Greybeards; or, The Mourning Bride." This work delves into the complexities of human relationships...16436falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cupid-s-whirligig-edward-sharpham--73430417https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73430417Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:12 +0000Hannah CowleyCupid's Whirligig by Edward Sharpham is a captivating exploration of love's complexities and the whims of fate. This timeless tale delves into the unpredictable nature of romance, drawing listeners into a world where passion and mischief intertwine....10614falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beauty-stone-joseph-comyns-carr-arthur-wing-pinero--73427895https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73427895Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:00:15 +0000Hannah Cowley"Beauty Stone" by Joseph Comyns Carr and Arthur Wing Pinero offers a captivating exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of beauty in a world often overshadowed by despair. The narrative delves into the complexities of human...10544falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beggar-s-opera-john-gay--73425347https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73425347Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:00:17 +0000Hannah Cowley"Beggar's Opera" by John Gay is a satirical play that explores the lives of beggars and thieves in a corrupt society, highlighting the stark contrasts between the upper and lower classes. This timeless work delves into themes of morality, social...8087falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/miles-gloriosus-the-braggart-captain-titus-maccius-plautus--73422904https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73422904Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:11 +0000Hannah CowleyMiles Gloriosus, or The Braggart Captain, by Titus Maccius Plautus, is a timeless comedic play that delves into themes of pride, deception, and the follies of human nature. With its sharp wit and humorous portrayal of a boastful soldier, the story...9186falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-boarders-or-the-great-jewel-mystery-josephine-van-tassel-bruorton--73420503https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73420503Sun, 13 Sep 2026 09:00:13 +0000Hannah Cowley"Summer Boarders; or The Great Jewel Mystery" by Josephine Van Tassel Bruorton invites listeners into a captivating tale where intrigue and mystery unfold against the backdrop of summer escapades. The story centers around the enigmatic circumstances...11178falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-s-the-dupe-hannah-cowley--73418182https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73418182Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:00:15 +0000Hannah Cowley"Who's the Dupe" by Hannah Cowley delves into the intricacies of deception, identity, and the human experience, exploring how easily individuals can be misled by appearances and societal expectations. This engaging work invites listeners to reflect on...3720falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/social-war-of-1900-simon-landis--73415879https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73415879Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:00:17 +0000Hannah Cowley"Social War of 1900" by Simon Landis delves into the tumultuous social dynamics of the early 20th century, exploring the conflicts and struggles that characterized this pivotal era. As societal norms were challenged and redefined, the themes of...8953falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bold-stroke-for-a-husband-hannah-cowley--73413576https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73413576Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:00:11 +0000Hannah Cowley"Bold Stroke for a Husband" by Hannah Cowley is a captivating exploration of love, marriage, and the complexities of relationships. This engaging work delves into the dynamics of courtship and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their...10095falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dandy-dick-arthur-wing-pinero--73411057https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73411057Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:00:13 +0000Hannah Cowley"Dandy Dick" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a delightful comedy that captures the nuances of human nature and social dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a seaside resort, the play explores themes of love, folly, and the contrast between societal...9817falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wonder-a-woman-keeps-a-secret-susanna-centlivre--73408429https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73408429Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:16 +0000Hannah Cowley"Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret" by Susanna Centlivre is a captivating exploration of love, deception, and the complexities of female agency. This play delves into the lengths to which a woman will go to protect her heart and maintain her autonomy in...7666falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-is-the-man-hannah-cowley--73405926https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73405926Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:11 +0000Hannah Cowley"Which is the Man" by Hannah Cowley explores themes of identity and societal expectations through the lens of romantic intrigue and comedic misunderstandings. This engaging work delves into the complexities of gender roles and the quest for true...8207falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stolen-heiress-susanna-centlivre--73369368https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73369368Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:00:23 +0000Hannah Cowley"Stolen Heiress" by Susanna Centlivre is a captivating exploration of identity and deception, weaving a tale that reflects the complexities of social status and the pursuit of love. Centlivre's sharp wit and engaging dialogue bring to life the...8074falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/third-violet-stephen-crane--73366791https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73366791Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:00:28 +0000Hannah Cowley"Third Violet" by Stephen Crane is a compelling exploration of the complexities of human emotion and the nuances of relationships. Crane's distinctive style captures the essence of longing and the search for meaning, making this work resonate with...16624falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/night-off-or-a-page-from-balzac-augustin-daly-franz-von-schonthan--73364384https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73364384Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:00:19 +0000Hannah Cowley"Night Off; or A Page From Balzac" by Augustin Daly and Franz von Schönthan invites listeners into a world that reflects on the complexities of life and the art of storytelling. This engaging narrative explores themes of leisure, creativity, and the...11916falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/school-for-greybeards-or-the-mourning-bride-hannah-cowley--74469935https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74469935Sat, 22 Aug 2026 04:00:05 +0000Hannah Cowley"School for Greybeards or The Mourning Bride" by Hannah Cowley is a captivating comedy that explores the complexities of marriage and societal expectations through the lens of romance set in picturesque Portugal. Written in 1786, the play reflects...8861falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-act-play-collection-021-various--73362137https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73362137Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:00:27 +0000Hannah CowleyOne-Act Play Collection 021-Various presents a diverse array of theatrical works, showcasing the art of the one-act play. This collection includes "A School for Greybeards; or, The Mourning Bride," among other engaging pieces that highlight the depth...17542falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-chancery-arthur-wing-pinero--73359939https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73359939Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:28 +0000Hannah Cowley"In Chancery" by Arthur Wing Pinero delves into the complexities of human relationships and the often tumultuous nature of love and ambition. This compelling work explores themes of conflict and resolution, highlighting the struggles individuals face...8134falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pleasant-commodie-of-faire-em-the-miller-s-daughter-of-manchester-with-the-love-of-william-the-conquerour-william-shakespeare--73357827https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73357827Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:00:29 +0000Hannah Cowley"Pleasant Commodie of Faire Em, the Miller's Daughter of Manchester, with the Love of William the Conquerour-William Shakespeare" invites listeners into a vibrant tale that intertwines love and ambition against a backdrop of historical intrigue. This...5685falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/follies-of-a-day-or-the-marriage-of-figaro-figaro-trilogy-2-english-pierre-beaumarchais--73355620https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73355620Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:31 +0000Hannah Cowley"Follies of a Day; OR, The Marriage of Figaro" is a witty and incisive exploration of love, class, and the complexities of human relationships, as depicted by Pierre Beaumarchais in this second installment of the Figaro Trilogy. This timeless play...11230falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/midsummer-night-s-dream-william-shakespeare--73353278https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73353278Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:38 +0000Hannah CowleyMidsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare is a timeless exploration of love, magic, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of a mystical forest. This enchanting tale weaves together the lives of various characters,...7469falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/busie-body-susanna-centlivre--73350659https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73350659Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:00:32 +0000Hannah Cowley"Busie Body" by Susanna Centlivre is a lively comedy that explores themes of deception, intrigue, and the complexities of human relationships. The play follows a clever young woman who orchestrates a series of misunderstandings to expose the true...10596falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hunchback-james-sheridan-knowles--73348706https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73348706Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:00:44 +0000Hannah CowleyHunchback by James Sheridan Knowles is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the human condition, centered around the struggles of its characters against societal norms and personal dilemmas. This timeless narrative resonates with audiences...8921falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-chase-james-sheridan-knowles--73346823https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73346823Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:40 +0000Hannah Cowley"Love Chase" by James Sheridan Knowles is a captivating exploration of romance and the complexities of human relationships. This timeless tale delves into the nuances of love, desire, and the pursuit of happiness, making it a compelling listen for...8067falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/woman-is-a-weathercock-nathan-field--73344749https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73344749Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:00:34 +0000Hannah Cowley"Woman is a Weathercock" by Nathan Field explores the complexities of female identity and societal expectations through the metaphor of a weathercock, symbolizing the fickle nature of women's roles in society. This thought-provoking work delves into...7692falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brewster-s-millions-byron-ongley-winchell-smith--73342722https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73342722Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:00:38 +0000Hannah Cowley"Brewster's Millions" by Byron Ongley and Winchell Smith presents a compelling narrative centered around the challenges of wealth and the complexities of human desire. As Brewster navigates the intriguing stipulations of his inheritance, the story...11741falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rudens-or-the-fisherman-s-rope-titus-maccius-plautus--73340824https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73340824Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:41 +0000Hannah Cowley"Rudens; or The Fisherman's Rope" by Titus Maccius Plautus is a captivating exploration of themes such as love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of ancient Rome. This comedic play revolves around the...9268falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/as-you-like-it-version-3-william-shakespeare--73338705https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73338705Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:40 +0000Hannah Cowley"As You Like It" by William Shakespeare is a delightful exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of the Forest of Arden. This timeless comedy invites listeners to reflect on the nature of...10136falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/woodbarrow-farm-jerome-k-jerome--73331507https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73331507Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:00:45 +0000Hannah CowleyWoodbarrow Farm by Jerome K. Jerome invites listeners into a pastoral setting that captures the charm and simplicity of rural life. Jerome's keen observations and lighthearted humor create a vivid tapestry of farm life that resonates with the enduring...10179falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lightnin-frank-bacon-winchell-smith--73329874https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73329874Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:00:43 +0000Hannah Cowley"Lightnin'" by Frank Bacon and Winchell Smith is a captivating exploration of human nature and the complexities of life through the lens of its engaging characters. This timeless tale delves into themes of resilience, humor, and the pursuit of...13632falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wives-on-strike-lillian-sutton-pelee--73328177https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73328177Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:00:52 +0000Hannah CowleyWives on Strike by Lillian Sutton Pelée explores the powerful dynamics of marital relationships and the collective strength of women as they stand up for their rights. This compelling narrative resonates with timeless themes of unity, resilience, and...9045falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stranger-august-von-kotzebue--73326498https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73326498Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:34 +0000Hannah Cowley"Stranger" by August von Kotzebue invites listeners into a compelling exploration of human relationships and the complexities of identity. This timeless work delves into themes of belonging and the search for understanding in a world often marked by...7596falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/athaliah-jean-racine--73324806https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73324806Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:00:39 +0000Hannah CowleyAthaliah by Jean Racine is a powerful exploration of themes such as ambition, power, and divine justice, encapsulated in the tragic tale of a queen's ruthless quest for control. The story delves into the complexities of human nature and the...7247falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cradle-song-gregorio-martinez-sierra--73322904https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73322904Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:00:37 +0000Hannah CowleyCradle Song by Gregorio Martínez Sierra is a poignant exploration of themes that resonate deeply with the human experience, such as love, loss, and the passage of time. This lyrical work captures the essence of nurturing and the profound connections...7708falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/two-pastorals-an-heroic-and-a-comic-moliere--73321216https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73321216Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:40 +0000Hannah Cowley"Two Pastorals an Heroic and a Comic" by Molière presents a delightful exploration of contrasting themes through the lens of pastoral life, blending elements of both heroism and humor. This work showcases Molière's masterful ability to intertwine...3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cistellaria-or-the-casket-titus-maccius-plautus--73319287https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73319287Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:00:32 +0000Hannah CowleyCistellaria; or, The Casket by Titus Maccius Plautus is a classic work that explores themes of love, deception, and the intricacies of human relationships. With its clever dialogue and engaging situations, this play captures the essence of comedic...3511falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mice-and-men-madeleine-lucette-ryley--73317231https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73317231Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:14:06 +0000Hannah CowleyMice and Men by Madeleine Lucette Ryley invites listeners into a poignant exploration of companionship and the human experience. This timeless tale delves into the complexities of relationships, highlighting the deep emotional connections that bind...10618falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breviate-of-the-life-of-margaret-baxter-richard-baxter--73273473https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73273473Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:42 +0000Hannah Cowley"Breviate of the Life of Margaret Baxter" by Richard Baxter offers a poignant reflection on the life of Margaret, daughter of Francis Charlton, and wife to the author himself. This heartfelt account, written in a state of deep grief, captures the...9381falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lying-lover-or-the-ladies-friendship-richard-steele--73253176https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73253176Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:20 +0000Hannah Cowley"Lying Lover or The Ladies' Friendship" by Richard Steele captures the tumultuous journey of a young man who, despite his advantages of education and wealth, succumbs to the follies of false love and reckless behavior. As he navigates the consequences...9834falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/baseball-joe-on-the-school-nine-lester-chadwick--73229292https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73229292Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:00:24 +0000Hannah Cowley"Baseball Joe on the School Nine" follows the spirited journey of "Baseball Joe" Matson, a determined country boy with dreams of attending boarding school and playing on its baseball team. As Joe and his friend Tom Davis enroll at Excelsior Hall, they...17091falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/flatland-a-romance-of-many-dimensions-edwin-abbott-abbott--73209161https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73209161Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:31 +0000Hannah Cowley"Flatland - A Romance of Many Dimensions" by Edwin Abbott Abbott explores a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric shapes, offering a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the limitations of human perception. Through its clever...14986falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coffee-break-collection-003-nature-various--73189692https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73189692Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:29 +0000Hannah Cowley"Coffee Break Collection 003 - Nature" is a delightful anthology featuring a variety of short readings that explore the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. With works spanning genres from fiction to non-fiction, listeners can enjoy brief yet...8331falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/confessions-of-a-book-lover-e-walter-walters--73175218https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73175218Sun, 26 Jul 2026 09:00:34 +0000Hannah Cowley"Confessions of a Book-Lover" by E. Walter Walters is a heartfelt exploration of the joy of reading, where the author shares his passion for literature and the art of "book fishing"—the delightful pursuit of discovering hidden gems among discount...7490falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/art-of-landscape-painting-in-oil-colour-sir-alfred-edward-east--73045114https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73045114Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:21 +0000Hannah Cowley"Art of Landscape Painting in Oil Colour" by Sir Alfred Edward East offers timeless insights into the craft of landscape painting, focusing on essential elements such as sketching from nature, equipment, colour, and composition. East's profound...15340falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lying-lover-or-the-ladies-friendship-richard-steele--73045109https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73045109Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:00:19 +0000Hannah Cowley"Lying Lover or The Ladies' Friendship" by Richard Steele presents a humorous yet poignant exploration of a man's reckless descent into debauchery, showcasing the consequences of false love and poor judgment. As the protagonist, Young Bookwit,...9834falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/baseball-joe-on-the-school-nine-lester-chadwick--73045106https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73045106Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:25 +0000Hannah Cowley"Baseball Joe on the School Nine" follows the spirited journey of Joe Matson, a determined country boy whose dream is to attend boarding school and join the school baseball team. Alongside his friend Tom Davis, Joe navigates the challenges of...17091falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ecce-homo-friedrich-nietzsche--73045098https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73045098Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:19 +0000Hannah CowleyFriedrich Nietzsche's "Ecce Homo" serves as a bold autobiography penned during a prolific period in his life, shortly before his descent into illness. With audacious chapter titles such as “Why I am so Wise” and “Why I am so Clever,” Nietzsche...20210falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cynical-miss-catherwaight-richard-harding-davis--73045083https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73045083Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:00:23 +0000Hannah Cowley"Cynical Miss Catherwaight" by Richard Harding Davis tells the intriguing story of a woman who collects "dishonored honors"—medals of valor that have been pawned by their original recipients. As Miss Catherwaight scrutinizes the stories behind each...2617falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/school-for-greybeards-or-the-mourning-bride-hannah-cowley--73045073https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73045073Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:00:54 +0000Hannah Cowley"School for Greybeards or The Mourning Bride" by Hannah Cowley is a captivating comedy that explores the complexities of marriage and societal expectations through the lens of romance set in picturesque Portugal. Written in 1786, the play reflects...8861falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/act-5-and-author-s-address--57527390https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57527390Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:36:57 +0000Hannah Cowley2724false5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/act-4--57527396https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57527396Sun, 05 Nov 2023 02:36:00 +0000Hannah Cowley1220false4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/act-3--57527382https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57527382Sat, 04 Nov 2023 02:36:00 +0000Hannah Cowley1464false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/act-2--57527381https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57527381Fri, 03 Nov 2023 02:36:00 +0000Hannah Cowley1380false2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/act-1--57527380https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57527380Thu, 02 Nov 2023 02:36:00 +0000Hannah Cowleyhttp://www.adfreebooks.com - 1000+ audiobooks, all ad free!2076false1full