Marquis de Lafayette Birthday Event in Skillman Library

A new play, by British playwright and television director Ian Curteis, is dramatically woven from the letters exchanged between Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, and his young wife, Adrienne de Noailles, during his time in America, 1777-1780.  LAFAYETTE is the story of a passionate young man who operated against family and class to become the first ally of the upstart American nation, helping to turn the tide of the War of Independence by securing French support from his reluctant King, Louis XVI. It is also the story of a young couple, just out of their teens, who struggle across an ocean with separation, love, abandonment, and the loss of a child, and who reunite to promote the American cause in France and help to save the American Revolution. The play ends with Lafayette boarding his famous "freedom frigate" Hermione to America. (Run Time 54:13)

The screening will be followed by a video discussion with the playwright, director, and actors, moderated by Ann Alter, historian of 18th century France. (Run Time 17:50)