Piaf (play)

Piaf is a play by Pam Gems that focuses on the life and career of French chanteuse Edith Piaf. The biographical drama with music portrays the singer in as a self-destructive, promiscuous alcoholic and junkie who, in one controversial scene, urinates in public.

The original production starred Jane Lapotaire in the title role, and included Ian Charleson as Pierre. It premiered in 1978 at RSC. The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon, after which it moved to the Donmar Warehouse in London, the Aldwych Theatre, the Piccadilly Theatre, and then Wyndham's Theatre, before going to the U.S.

In The U.S. the play began in Philadelphia. After six previews the show opened on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on February 6, 1981 with its original star, Jane Lapotaire. It ran for 165 performances, and Jane Lapotaire won the 1981 Tony Award.

The play was performed in Argentina from 1983-86 with Virginia Lago in the role of Piaf. Lago won the Premio Estrella de Mar award in 1984 for Best Actress and in 1984 the Prensario Award for Best Actress.

The play was also performed in Brasil in 1983 with Bibi Ferreira in the role of Piaf. Bibi won several awards in 1984 and ran the show for more than 10 years. Nowadays, She sings Piaf in her concerts around the world - including The Lincoln Center - NYC.

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