Is this a novel or a play?

This work is a play written in three acts, intended for theatrical performance rather than as a traditional novel.

What is the origin of the title?

The author derived the title from a slogan he saw scrawled in soap on a mirror in a New York saloon, which he interpreted as a play on the phrase who is afraid of the big bad wolf.

Should I watch the film adaptation before reading the script?

The 1966 film is a highly faithful adaptation of the stage play, though the author was famously critical of the production despite its critical success and Oscar wins.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee

After a long faculty party, George and Martha invite a younger couple over for drinks. What begins as a seemingly innocent gathering quickly devolves into a brutal psychological game. As the night wears on, resentments surface and secrets are exposed, leaving everyone shattered.

Prose complexity: 7/10

Dark Tense Emotional Complex Philosophical

Morally Grey Forced Proximity Betrayal

E

Edward Albee

American playwright

All characters in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Frequently asked questions

Is this a novel or a play?
This work is a play written in three acts, intended for theatrical performance rather than as a traditional novel.
What is the origin of the title?
The author derived the title from a slogan he saw scrawled in soap on a mirror in a New York saloon, which he interpreted as a play on the phrase who is afraid of the big bad wolf.
Should I watch the film adaptation before reading the script?
The 1966 film is a highly faithful adaptation of the stage play, though the author was famously critical of the production despite its critical success and Oscar wins.