Abelard and Heloise

Abelard and Heloise

Ronald Millar

Abelard and Heloise

Abelard and Heloise

Ronald Millar

Overview

One of the greatest love stories of all time, this play was inspired by Helen Waddell's Peter Abelard and the letters of the 12th century lovers: a monastic scholar and poet and the innocent girl who came to adore him. Abelard loses his heart and his reason to Heloise, has a child by her and, in violation of his vows, enters into a secret marriage. Heloise's vengeful uncle alerts the ecclesiastical authorities. The lovers are separated and Abelard is castrated. She enters a nunnery and he a monastery. They meet again years later when he turns over to her, as abbess, a community he founded at their parting.

"Will please people who like tragedy with their love and wit with their history." - The New York Times

"[This] story of the most famous star crossed lovers outside of Romeo and Juliet... is intelligently written, striking." - The New York Times

Want to perform this show?

Cautions

  • Caution Intense Adult Intense Adult Themes

Details

  • Time Period: Medieval (6th-14th c.)
  • Cast Attributes: Expandable casting, Room for Extras
  • Target Audience: Adult

Authors

Author

Ronald Millar