Judith, a Play in Three Acts; Founded on the Apocryphal Book of Judith

"Judith, a Play in Three Acts; Founded on the Apocryphal Book of Judith" by Arnold Bennett is a dramatic work likely written during the early 20th century. This play centers around the biblical character Judith, a strong and determined woman who plays a pivotal role in the defense of her people against the invading Assyrian army led by Holofernes. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the besieged city of Bethulia, governed by Ozias. During a tense exchange with the elder Chabris, it is revealed that the city is deprived of water due to the siege, leading to desperation among its inhabitants. Ozias, striving to maintain morale, speaks to the citizens, but his leadership is questioned. The entrance of Judith, who has remained isolated for years, marks a turning point. She asserts her intent to save Bethulia, expressing confidence in God's support while hinting at a personal mission against Holofernes. As the act progresses, Judith’s beauty and resolve capture the attention of the men, setting the stage for her audacious plan to confront the Assyrian general and turn the tide of the siege. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Enoch Arnold Bennett was an English author, best known as a novelist, who wrote prolifically. Between the 1890s and the 1930s he completed 34 novels, seven volumes of short stories, 13 plays, and a daily journal totalling more than a million words. He wrote articles and stories for more than 100 newspapers and periodicals, worked in and briefly ran the Ministry of Information during the First World War, and wrote for the cinema in the 1920s. Sales of his books were substantial, and he was the most financially successful British author of his day.