First Published: American Theatre Magazine, February 1988.
Synopsis The play has thirty-one linear scenes set in New York City during 1908-1917, a period of social, political and wartime change. We see Marion, an innocent aged fifteen, under the care of Juster, aged fifty, who had taken on her care when she became an orphan. Marion becomes his child-bride living with him and her fifteen year old step-son, Michael. She struggles to repress her awakened inner life and fantasies but becomes pregnant in an adulterous relationship. Her betrayed husband ejects her from the house and refuses her contact with her baby. Not financially independent, her lover tired of her, Marion survives having pursued a need for self-development which she would not repress despite the pain for herself and others. She returns to Juster when she hears that he is ill and nurses him until his death.
A 124 minute video of this production can be seen at the Billy Rose Theatre Collection, New York Public Library. See Billy Rose Theatre Collection.
The following year Fornes directed the play at the Studio Area, Buffalo, NY.
In 1988 Fornes was awarded an Obie for Best American Play, Abingdon Square.
In 1992 Fornes directed Abingdon Square translated as La plaza chica at the San Diego Reparatory Theatre, San Diego, California.
In the UK it was first produced in June 1989 as a co-production in London, England between the Soho Poly and Shared Experience. Cast: Juster - Philip Voss, Marion - Annabelle Apsion, Michael - Pearce Quigley, Minnie - Helen Blatch, Mary - Veronica Smart, Frank - Christopher Eccleston. It was directed by Nancy Meckler. The production moved to the National Theatre's Cottesloe Theatre, London, England in 1990. Décor was by Lucy Weller and Lighting Design by Tina MacHugh.
Abingdon Square has been directed twice by Fornes. The first occasion was for its October 8 1987 premier with the Women's Project at the American Place Theatre, NYC. Set Design by Donald Eastman, Lighting Design by Anne Militello, Costume Designer - Sam Fleming. Cast: Marion - Madeline Potter, Michael - John David Callum, Juster - John Seiz, Minnie - Myra Carter, Mary - Anna Levine, Frank - Michael Cerveris, The Glazier - Mark Bagnall.