Picture plays

A diverse anthology of stage adaptations brings beloved nineteenth‑century novels into the spotlight, each reshaped for a theatrical audience. Familiar stories such as “Cranford,” “The Vicar of Wakefield,” a series of holiday‑themed one‑acts, and “Pride and Prejudice” have been trimmed, re‑dialogued, and equipped with fresh stage directions that preserve the spirit of the originals while inviting new performance possibilities. The collection offers actors and directors ready‑made material that captures the humor, romance, and social nuance of the source texts without straying far from their classic roots.

The centerpiece, “The Last Sitting,” imagines a quiet afternoon in Leonardo da Vinci’s Florentine studio as he paints the young woman who will become the Mona Lisa. Through lyrical exchanges and a gently humming lute, the two characters probe the tension between artistic obsession and personal connection, hinting at the mystery that will later surround the portrait. This intimate vignette blends historical detail with poetic dialogue, giving listeners a chance to hear the subtle drama that may have unfolded behind one of art history’s most famous canvases.