Elvira (play)

Elvira is a five-act prose comedy written by French playwright Henry Bernstein, first performed in 1915. The play revolves around the complex and often destructive relationships between Elvira, a charismatic and alluring woman, and the men who are drawn to her. It explores themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and the power dynamics inherent in romantic pursuits.

The play's narrative typically focuses on Elvira's manipulation of her admirers and the resulting emotional turmoil and social consequences. While often presented as lighthearted due to its comedic form, Elvira touches upon darker aspects of human behavior and the potentially damaging effects of infatuation and obsession. Productions of Elvira have varied in their interpretations, with some emphasizing the comedic elements and others highlighting the play's underlying cynicism about romantic relationships. The play has been translated and performed in numerous languages and remains a notable, though perhaps less frequently performed than some of Bernstein's other works, example of early 20th-century French theatre.