THE CHILDREN'S HOUR 

1961

 Run Time: 108 | Rating: Not Rated | Language: English

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We are thrilled to be partnering with the Avon Theatre Film Center for a special presentation combining an excerpt of Lillian Hellman’s 1934 stage drama The Children’s Hour with a screening of the 1961 film adaptation by John Michael Hayes marking the 60th anniversary of the film’s release. Reprising the role of Martha, played by Shirley MacLaine, is her daughter, actress Sachi Parker. Stephanie Hazard, Co-Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre Company, will play Karen in the reading excerpt, a role played by Audrey Hepburn in the film. Broadway and T.V. veteran Mike Boland will direct. A brief Q & A with the cast will follow the screening.

 

The Children’s Hour has a unique place in history, in fact, the play sparked the first gay rights case ever taken on by the ACLU. The Children's Hour was banned from production in Boston in 1936 by the city’s public censor because it was deemed to have “lesbian content.” While the play’s ban was upheld by the courts, gay rights, and the censorship of gay and lesbian themes in the arts became part of the public conversation. Revisiting this work through play excerpts and film screening encourages a critical look back in time through the context of today. We are excited to share and explore this thought provoking work with our audience.