Ever thought a play about a holiday romance could ruffle more feathers than a peacock parade? Well, that’s precisely what 'Autumn Crocus', the debut stage play by Dodie Smith, achieves with flair. Written in 1931, it chronicles the unlikely romantic adventures of a British schoolteacher named Jenny Jones who takes a trip to the Tyrol—an Austrian paradise that provides more than just scenic views. Why is this play such an underrated gem, you ask? Perhaps it’s because Smith, more famous for The Hundred and One Dalmatians, also had a knack for turning the seemingly mundane into art. While 'Autumn Crocus' may not hold the explosive recognition of a blockbuster, its influence on British theatre during a transformative era cannot be overstated.
What makes 'Autumn Crocus' such a noteworthy piece in theatrical history is its delicate yet daring approach to themes of love and identity. On the surface, it seems like a simple holiday romance, but Smith is brilliant with her characterization and deftly explores the vulnerability of escape and self-discovery. It gives a platform to a women-centric narrative, without descending into the sweeping dramatization that you'd find in numerous modern plays about similar topics. The societal norms of the 1930s were much stricter than today's standards, but Smith managed to walk a fine line, making comments on them through subtext rather than protest.
The setting of the play—the picturesque Alps—adds to its allure. This feels like more than a backdrop, enhancing the narrative with symbolic significance. The mountains offer both a literal and metaphorical elevation from the characters’ daily lives. Jenny’s romance with the innkeeper leaves audiences questioning whether her newfound happiness is due to authentic love or simply an escape from the drudgery of daily life.
'Autumn Crocus' wasn’t just an artistic feat; it was a commercial success, too. The play’s opening at the Lyric Theatre in London in September 1931 was to much acclaim. It swiftly became a favorite with audiences, some of whom might have seen it as an escape from the economic hardships of the Great Depression. It ran for 262 performances, and its appeal continues, though it remains under the radar—a classic piece of English theatre overshadowed in part due to changing tastes and perhaps over-analyzed by critics more obsessed with pomp than substance.
If today’s so-called “progressive” critics can’t appreciate the delicate art of subtlety, maybe they need to reconsider. The rawness and simplicity of 'Autumn Crocus' offer a refreshing contrast to modern over-the-top narratives obsessed with bombarding audiences with indulgent visuals and forced wokeness. 'Autumn Crocus' succeeds because it presents relatable, human stories that resonate across time, proving that timeless narratives come from understanding universal truths.
The stage production and Smith’s skill in navigating romantic themes provide a masterclass in character development. Through her characters, she questions loyal relationships, examines personal happiness, and challenges a future dictated by societal expectations. The play cleverly constructs an emotional journey that requires the audience to consider their stand, without preaching. Such a bold approach during the 1930s, a period marked by conservatism in Britain, is a testament to its genius.
Considering the time of its production, it's remarkable how 'Autumn Crocus' still speaks to contemporary audiences. Conservatives can appreciate it for its seamless appropriation of subtlety to address personal freedom and societal roles that align with traditional values yet offer introspection. Smith's work should be appreciated for standing the test of time. It doesn’t need a loudspeaker of modern “correctness” to make its mark; it beautifully whispers enduring lessons through well-crafted narrative and complex, genuine characters.
Dodie's ability to challenge societal norms without gilding them in grandstanding is precisely what makes the play a masterpiece. It’s proof that substantial art doesn’t have to pander to the whims of modern-day armchair activists. The cascading streams of political correctness often drown out sincere storytelling, but not here. The craft in 'Autumn Crocus' represents a refreshing nod to the power of underplayed, yet powerful storytelling. So, let’s champion a revival for works like 'Autumn Crocus', reminding everyone of a time when theatre sought to entertain and enlighten without the strings of political affliction crowding the stage.