Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1962

Opened: October 13, 1962

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1962 - Broadway History , Info & More

Billy Rose Theatre
208 W. 41st St. New York, NY 10036

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is a powerful and disturbing drama written by Edward Albee in 1962. It explores the complexities of a troubled marriage through a night of bitter arguments, manipulation, and emotional cruelty



The play centers on a middle-aged couple, Martha, the daughter of a wealthy college president, and George, a frustrated history professor. They invite a young couple, Nick and Honey, for a late-night drink after a faculty party. As the night unfolds, Martha and George engage in a relentless verbal battle, dredging up past resentments, insecurities, and failed dreams. They use Nick and Honey as pawns in their twisted games, ultimately exposing the emptiness and despair at the heart of their relationship.



The play delves into themes of marital unhappiness, the destructive power of secrets, the struggle for dominance, and the illusion of happiness. It explores the ways people can hurt each other, both intentionally and unintentionally.



"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" was considered shocking for its time due to its frank portrayal of marital discord, profanity, and sexual themes. The play challenged societal norms and forced audiences to confront the dark side of human relationships. Despite its controversial elements, the play was a critical success. It won the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1962–1963 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. The original stars, Uta Hagen (Martha) and Arthur Hill (George), both received Tony Award nominations.



In 1966, the play was adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. While toned down for the screen, the film retained the play's core themes and powerful performances. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" remains a significant work of American theatre. It continues to be produced around the world, sparking discussions about relationships, communication, and the human condition.

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The Ensemble Company, now in their fifth year in residence at Penguin Point Productions located within the Oviedo Mall, continues its 2023 season with a production of Edward Albee's masterpiece, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which celebrated 60 years in 2022.  Virginia Woolf is rescheduled from The Ensemble Company's 2022 season.

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Continuing the 2022 season, City Theatre Austin has announced the full-production stage presentation of Edward Albee's award-winning play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Described as “an extraordinarily brilliant play,” this riveting, revealing, biting, and almost shattering examination of marriage and family is one of the most successful plays in modern American theatre and all too rarely produced in Austin.  

BWW Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
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This is one of the better productions of this play that I have reviewed.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? have there been?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has had 8 productions including Broadway which opened in 1962, Broadway which opened in 1976, Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2012, West End which opened in 2017, Broadway which opened in 2020 and which opened in 2020.
What Tony Awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? been nominated for?
Best Play , , Best Direction of a Play for Alan Schneider , Producer (Dramatic) for Richard BarrProducer (Dramatic) for Clinton Wilder and Producer (Dramatic) for Theatre 1963 .
What Tony Awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won?
Best Play, Best Direction of a Play for Alan Schneider Producer (Dramatic) for Richard Barr Producer (Dramatic) for Clinton Wilder, Producer (Dramatic) for Theatre 1963 , .
What awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? been nominated for?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Edward Albee, the playwright, was nominated for Best Playwright of the Season at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Additionally, Alan Schneider was nominated for Best Staging at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
What awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has won several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Edward Albee, the playwright, was recognized as the Best Playwright of the Season at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Additionally, Alan Schneider received the award for Best Staging at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. These accolades highlight the exceptional quality of the play and the talent of its creators.

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