Sense and Sensibility

Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” is a dynamic and engaging reimagining of the classic novel, blending humor and heart with a modern theatrical flair. The story follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate the tumultuous waters of love, loss, and societal expectations in 19th-century England. After the sudden death of their father, the Dashwood family is left in precarious financial straits, forcing the sisters to rely on their wit and resilience to secure their futures.

Elinor, the embodiment of sense, is practical and composed, while Marianne, full of sensibility, is passionate and spontaneous. The play explores their contrasting approaches to life and love as they encounter a series of suitors and romantic entanglements. Elinor quietly suffers from her unspoken love for Edward Ferrars, while Marianne falls headlong into an ill-fated romance with the charming but unreliable John Willoughby. Hamill’s adaptation brings fresh energy to the story through inventive staging, quick changes, and a playful, fast-paced narrative that captures the essence of Austen’s work while making it accessible and entertaining for contemporary audiences.