OFF THE SUBJECT

I found an old love.  The Libertine by Stephen Jeffreys, an acclaimed playwright.  Written in 1994, this raunchy play about the Earl of Rochester set in 1675, has it all; sexuality, whores, King Charles II, plays within the play, and a servent named Alcock.  Not to mention one of the best opening monologues eva!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMCYrqtmFpM

In addition to the opening monologue, there is scene I have been dying to do since I read this play.  Act 1 Sc 4.  The exchange between the Earl, John Wilmont, and actress Elizabeth Barry.  He is attempting to train her in acting with believability and truth.  She assumes, by his reputation, he wants to train her in something "else".  But her desires to be loved my her audience compels her to continue with the studies.  They end up having a love affair that changes the Earl's life, even though it does not end well.


The play was given its American premiere by the Steppenwolf Theatre Co., Chicago, Ill, April 7, 1996 with John Malkovich as the outrageous Earl.  It is also now a movie with Johnny Depp as the Earl and John Malkovich switching to Henry II.  The film is GREAT!  I own it and can't tell you how many times I have seen it.  Not only does the script stay close to the play, but come on, does Mr. Depp ever fail us!  He encompasses everything the Earl is, and more.