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MANUEL PUIG (1932-1990) was an Argentinian playwright, novelist and screenwriter. He won major international prizes for his novels which have been published in at least fourteen languages. His works include the semi-autobiographical La Traicin de Rita Hayworth (Betrayed by Rita Hayworth), Boquitas Pintadas (Heartbreak Tango), Sangre de Amour Correspondido (Blood of Requited Love) and Misterio del Ramo de Rosas (Mystery of the Rose Bouquet) presented in London 1987; but he is probably best remembered for Kiss of the Spider Woman (El Beso de la Mujer Araña), first published in 1976.

ALLAN BAKER read Spanish and French at Cambridge. Kiss of the Spider Woman was his first translation. He also did the adaptation and screenplay of Storia di una Capinera (Sparrow) (1993). His television work includes Dead Entry (1987), Aliens in the Family (1987), Just William (1994), and El Tránsfuga (2003).
Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig publisher Amber Lane Press
ISBN: 9780906399712
SORRY, OUT OF PRINT

 

Manuel Puig
Kiss of the Spider Woman
translated by Allan Baker

Two prisoners share a cell in an Argentinian gaol. Valentin, a young Marxist revolutionary, is contemptuous of the older Molina who is gay, yet a deep friendship develops. But the guards are bribing Molina with the promise of an early release if he can get his cellmate to talk... Translation by Allan Baker of the stage adaptation by Manuel Puig of his own novel. First performed at the Bush Theatre, London in 1985 starring Simon Callow and Mark Rylance, it went on to become a major film (starring William Hurt) and also a musical. (Cast, 2m)

“...an assured new translation ... Puig captures the oppressive nature of his native Argentina’s fascist regime as he delicately pits together the interests of two very different characters...”
~ Ann McFerran, Time Out

“This is one of those rare plays that forces the viewer to re-examine clichés and facile preconceptions.”
~ The Scotsman

“...beautifully translated by Allan Baker ... stunning.”
~ Jim Hiley, The Listener

“The title teases ... but it hardly hints at the quality of this remarkable relationship between two men with almost nothing in common ... what gives the play its ultimate enchantment is the delicacy of its faith that the bonds of human affection must triumph over the bondage of jail.”
~ Eric Shorter, Daily Telegraph

“It comes as near to being about pure undiluted love as any play I’ve ever seen.”
~ The Sunday Times
Sorry, Kiss of the Spider Woman is out of print.
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