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  • 1.  Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-08-2023 08:24

    Hello!

    I've been researching Lamb to the Slaughter and trying to figure out if it's in the public domain or not. My thespian troupe would love to adapt the short story and make into a one act. Can anyone here help me?
    Thanks!



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    Marta Carvalho
    Drama Director
    Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, Portugal
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  • 2.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-08-2023 09:28

    If you are referring to the 1953 short story by Roald Dahl, then it is almost certainly NOT in the public domain, and it won't enter the public domain in most countries for a few decades. 

    While not an official listing, a good place to start a search for anything in the public domain (at least in the US - different countries have different rules) is Project Gutenberg. 



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    Brendan Conheady
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  • 3.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-09-2023 11:10

    Yes! Project Gutenberg is definitely the best place to start. I can tell you that lawyers for authors' estates use search engines on Google and elsewhere (I do it for my own work) to track down unauthorized adaptations or usage of any of their clients' works. And they will shut your performance down. 

    But kudos to you for asking about the copyright!!!! So many directors, teachers, and students don't seem to understand that they can't freely use anything that is copyrighted and say that it is for educational purposes. And even make changes to the material without permission. 

    I know that we all have tight budgets that we are working with, but so do writers and they depend on their royalties, if not for their living, then for part of it. 



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    Jean Klein
    Playwriting Teacher in MFA program, Wilkes University]
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  • 4.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-10-2023 10:25
    Be careful on project gutenberg. Not all the material is public domain. It might be in another country but not in the US. You need to check on the year of publication and the death of the author. Then check to see if rights have been held by family or the estate. Try getting your librarian in on the search, they can find sure be a big help in the matter.


    Break a leg and may all your theatre seats be filled.




  • 5.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-16-2023 08:16

    "And even make changes to the material without permission. "

    What makes my eyes bug out is when I hear someone say that they aren't in trouble on copyright BECAUSE they made changes and moved things around without permission. I'm always like "Noooo. That actually makes it even more illegal!" 



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    Joseph Gels
    Theatre Teacher
    Boston Latin School
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  • 6.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-16-2023 08:52

    Yes, and this is exactly why I'm informing myself of everything before deciding anything. 
    I'm already in touch with: 

    David Higham Associates

    Literary, Film & TV Agents



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    Marta Carvalho
    Drama Director
    Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, Portugal
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  • 7.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-17-2023 02:13

    Hi Guys, "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl is not in the public domain. The story was published in 1953 and is still protected by copyright law. Therefore, it cannot be used without permission from the copyright holder.



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    Soniya Nag
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  • 8.  RE: Lamb to the Slaughter -Public domain?

    Posted 05-17-2023 07:52

    Thanks. I'm already in touch with: 

    David Higham Associates

    Literary, Film & TV Agents



    ------------------------------
    Marta Carvalho
    Drama Director
    Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, Portugal
    ------------------------------