Gamester by Edward Moore is a captivating play that delves into the world of gambling and its destructive consequences. The story follows the character of Beverley, a young man who becomes addicted to gambling and risks everything he has in pursuit of a big win.
Moore's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, as he explores the psychological and emotional toll that gambling addiction can take on an individual. The dialogue is sharp and witty, bringing the characters to life and making their struggles feel real and relatable.
One of the strongest aspects of the play is its exploration of the themes of greed, addiction, and the loss of morality. As Beverley's obsession with gambling grows, he becomes increasingly reckless and loses sight of what is truly important in life. The play serves as a cautionary tale, warning readers of the dangers of succumbing to such vices.
Overall, Gamester is a compelling and thought-provoking play that sheds light on the pitfalls of gambling addiction. Moore's writing is both poetic and poignant, making this a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.
Book Description:
The Gamester is Edward Moore's most famous work, and while it has fallen into relative obscurity in the last century, at the time it marked an important shift in the staging of eighteenth century tragedy. More specifically, it was one of the first plays to depict bourgeois suffering through the valence of moral values, moving the genre away from the lofty depiction of kings and empires toward something much closer to home for middle-class audiences. As such, the play depicts the trials and tribulations of Beverley, a dissolute gambler whose uncontrollable addiction has endangered the financial security of his household. Unbeknownst to him, however, is the fact that his money is being pocketed by a cadre of villainous sharpers led by the Machiavellian Stukely, who has designs on Beverley's wife and pretends to be his concerned friend. What follows is a drama that, while not possessing the greatest artistic merit, nevertheless affects us as keenly as it did the people who saw its first performance at the Drury Lane Theater on February 7, 1753. - Summary by Tomas Peter
Cast list:
Beverley: ToddHW
Lewson: TJ Burns
Stukely: Tomas Peter
Jarvis: Alan Mapstone
Bates: Joseph Tabler
Dawson: Son of the Exiles
Mrs. Beverley: Linda Olsen Fitak
Charlotte: Eva Davis
Lucy: Sonia
Waiter: Nemo
Narrator: Rob Board
Editor: Tomas Peter