PARIS 1848

All three men of the Dumas family were fantastic, larger-than-life characters, whose exploits spanned the entire 19th century.

Dumas junior created The Lady of the Camellias (Camille).

Dumas senior created The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Man in the Iron Mask.

And grandfather Dumas was a heroic black general in Napoleon's army, persecuted for his humanitarian ideals.

Leading a life of debauchery in his exotic Parisian chateau, the elder Dumas' passion for writing is matched only by his passion for living -- much to the horror of his prudish son.

As father negotiates backstage intrigues, trying to get his new play produced, Dumas junior struggles to discover his identity, and restore the family name to respectability.

Charles Smith's high-spirited, hilarious play is every bit as exuberant as one of Dumas' own works. It sports an array of fascinating characters -- the cross-dressing George Sand; a jealous, devious theatre manager; ambitious, luscious starlets; Victor Hugo; Napoleon Bonaparte; and even the ghost of General Dumas!

David Roach, Peter Cortissos and Shedrick Yarkpai play the three Dumas, with Lyn Wilson, Nicholas Ely, Tom Carney, Peta Long, Kate Wyatt and Matt Shannon.

Charles Smith is travelling from Ohio again, to work with Independent Theatre during the final stages of rehearsals. He will speak at a Q&A session after the Matinee on Sunday July 25th.

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE