“There could have never been two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved. Now they were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted. It was a perpetual estrangement.”
Eight years ago, Anne Elliot was in love with a young naval officer. But they were young, Wentworth was poor, and there was a war on – so Anne was persuaded by her family to end the engagement. She has bitterly regretted it ever since.
Anne now lives a painfully silent life with a family that doesn’t appreciate her, and Wentworth has returned home wealthy and thriving. In classic Austen fashion, the two must overcome his resentment, her regrets, and a wide cast of absurd characters standing between them. This new adaptation combines period restraint with a contemporary sensibility to tell a heartfelt, hilarious, and occasionally bittersweet story about regrets, growing older, and second chances.
Runtime: 2 hrs 15 minutes + intermission
Cast Size: Minimum 10 Maximum 24
Persuasion has been developed with support from the Edmonton Arts Council. A workshop and public reading was held in Edmonton during April of 2024; Amanda Goldberg served as the script’s dramaturg/director.