The Invention of Love

The Invention of Love is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the interplay of intellect and emotion, penned by playwright Tom Stoppard. Set in 1936, as A.E. Housman is ferried across the Styx, glad to be dead at last, the play intricately weaves together his vivid if confused memories of the Oxford of his early manhood.

The Story

Through a brilliant tapestry of past and present, Stoppard delves into themes of desire, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The river that runs through the play links Hades with Victorian Oxford, where the Aesthetic movement is challenging High Victorian values in art, literature and morality, and an Irish student named Wilde is getting ready to take London by storm. The audience is invited to witness the tension between the heart and the mind, culminating in a rich dialogue about the nature of love itself.

Why Readers Love It

• Stoppard’s signature wit and intellectual depth create a compelling narrative.
• The play’s lyrical language resonates with readers.
• It raises profound questions about the nature of love and the ways it shapes our lives.

Perfect For

First staged at the National Theatre, London, in September 1997, The Invention of Love is ideal for those who appreciate the delicate interplay of emotion and intellect in literature, as well as anyone looking to engage with the art, literature and morality of the Victorian age.

“Vintage Stoppard in its intelligence and wit.” – Variety