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Thespis
Thespis programme.jpg
Original programme
Written by W. S. Gilbert (words)
Arthur Sullivan (music)
Date of premiere 26 December 1871
Place of premiere Gaiety Theatre
London, England
Original language English
Subject Greek mythology
Genre Operetta
Setting Mount Olympus

Thespis, or The Gods Grown Old is an operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan. It is the first of their fourteen operettas. It was commissioned in 1871 by John Hollingshead, manager and owner of the Gaiety Theatre in the Strand. It was not well rehearsed, and lasted only 65 performances. It was generally well received by the critics.

Thespis takes place on Mount Olympus and tells of a theatrical company which takes over the duties of the ancient Greek gods. Most of the music has been lost, making it impossible to reconstruct the operetta.

Images for kids

  • Formella 15, il carro di Tespi (Theatrica), nino pisano, 1334-1336

    Thespis' wagon, relief of the Giotto's Belltower in Florence, Italy, Nino Pisano, 1334–1336

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