Theatre

Somerset Maugham's novel "Theatre" was published in 1937. In it, the author describes a world that is largely his own – besides being a short story writer and novelist, Maugham was also a successful playwright, especially in his early years as a writer. He knew firsthand not only the outward glamour of the theater and acting mastery, but also the unflattering side of what happens behind the scenes and in the dressing rooms: rivalry, intrigue, vanity, and self-love. The title is quite unambiguous – here, of course, the main theme is the theater, but theater in a broader sense: both as a stage art and as a social mask. And Julia Lambert, the uncrowned queen of the London stage, is a true embodiment of Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage...". She always plays a role, whether on stage or off, but perhaps she never fully realized it. Until her son Roger asks her whether there is even a "real" Julia. Somerset Maugham's novels are undoubtedly among the literary masterpieces of the 20th century. His brilliant style, characterized by unexpected plot twists, wit, insight, and irony, makes his works truly addictive. This holds true in full force for "Theatre".