Written By: Maureen Hunter
Synopsis: Based on a true story, this play examines the relationship between an ambitious astronomer and the women who love him, particularly the young and wilful Celeste. Although set in France during the 18th century, it speaks to a number of deeply human, universal issues, including the conflicting needs of men and women.
Finalist, Dora Mavor Moore Award, Outstanding New Play, Large Theatre Division, 1995
Transit of Venus was produced as a full-length opera by Manitoba Opera in 2007, with libretto by Maureen Hunter and music by Victor Davies. The opera was broadcast by CBC Radio.
"Transit of Venus is an intelligent, compelling script that deals with big ideas and intense human emotions, a grandly tragic romance and a comment on several deeply human issues." The Globe and Mail
"intelligence and style." The London Independent
"Skilful writing ... It's about the love of knowledge, it's about the love of life."
"Elegant and classy yet unpretentious and accessible, Transit of Venus is one of the more effective romances to grace [the] stage." Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
History: Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg, 1992. World premiere.
Persephone Theatre, Saskatoon, SK, 1993
Royal Shakespeare Company, The Other Place, Stratfold-upon-Avon, 1993, and The Pit, Barbican Centre, London, England, 1994. British premiere.
Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, ON, 1994
Globe Theatre, Regina, SK, 1994
Theatre Calgary, Canadian Stage, Toronto, and National Arts Centre, Ottawa (co-production), 1995
Gryphon Theatre, Barrie, ON, 1995
Manitoba Theatre Centre provincial tour, 1996
"E.L.", Canterbury, England, 1996
BBC Radio, 1996 and 1997
Berkshire Theatre, Stockbridge, Massachusettes, 1998. U.S. premiere.
Workshop West/University of Alberta Drama Department, Edmonton, AB, 1999
Sudbury Theatre Centre, Sudbury, ON, 2002
Theatre & Company, Kitchener, ON, 22002
The Oakville Players, Oakville, ON, 2002
Theatre Tart, Vancouver, BC, 2003
University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, 2005
Bickford Theatre, Morristown, New Jersey, 2008
Owen Sound Little Theatre, Owen, Sound, ON, 1998
University of Regina, Regina, SK, 2008
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 2009
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, 2010
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, 2012
Battlefords Community Players, North Battleford, Sk, 2013
Winchester Dramatic Society, Winchester, Hampshire, U.K. 2013
Availability: Draft in MAP archives.
Complete script, Blizzard Publishing, 1992.
Complete script in "3-D English: Contemporary Canadian Scripts," Prentice Hall Canada Ltd., 1994
Scene in "Taking the Stage: Selections from Plays by Canadian Women," Playwrights Canada Press, 1994
Complete script in "7 Canons," Playwrights Canada Press, 2000
Complete script in "Three Plays: Maureen Hunter", Sciroccco Drama, 2003
Complete script, Scirocco Drama, 2006
Running Time (mins): 76-120
Cast: 2M / 3F
Genres: Drama