This brief play, set at Vence in the Alps Maritimes, is an imaginary depiction of D. H. Lawrence's last moments, showing the intense love-hate relationship with his wife as, dying of consumption, he expresses his controversial views on art and sex, referring in particular to a recent exhibition of his paintings.
I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix premiered at the Lucille Lortel Theater (formerly the Theatre de Lys) in New York City in April 1959 under the direction of Tom Brennan.