Amadeus

play by Shaffer

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July 17, 2026

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Peter Shaffer's play Amadeus is a fictionalized account of the relationship between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his contemporary, Antonio Salieri. The play, and its subsequent film adaptation, explore the supposed bitter rivalry between the two composers.12

The narrative, as told by an elderly Salieri, suggests he was consumed by jealousy of Mozart's prodigious talent, which he felt was divinely bestowed upon an unworthy individual. Salieri, a successful composer in his own right, allegedly plotted to ruin Mozart's career and life. However, historical evidence indicates that Salieri and Mozart were likely on friendly terms, and the idea of Salieri poisoning Mozart is a legend that has been popularized by works like Shaffer's play. The play highlights Mozart's genius while portraying Salieri as a tormented figure driven by envy.13

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Sir Peter Shaffer
…stableboy’s obsession with horses, and Amadeus (1979; film 1984), about the rivalry between Mozart and his fellow composer Antonio Salieri. The film version of the latter play won eight Academy Awards, including best adapted screenplay for Shaffer. His later plays include the biblical epic Yonadab (1985), Lettice and Lovage (1987),…
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…stableboy’s obsession with horses, and Amadeus (1979; film 1984), about the rivalry between Mozart and his fellow composer Antonio Salieri. The film version of the latter play won eight Academy Awards, including best adapted screenplay for Shaffer. His later plays include the biblical epic Yonadab (1985), Lettice and Lovage (1987),…
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart’s place
The 1980 play Amadeus (written by Peter Shaffer), its film version of 1984 (directed by Miloš Forman), and the 2025 Netflix miniseries of the same name, although they did much to promote interest in Mozart, reinforced certain myths—i.e., that even as an adult Mozart remained an inappropriately childish…
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The 1980 play Amadeus (written by Peter Shaffer), its film version of 1984 (directed by Miloš Forman), and the 2025 Netflix miniseries of the same name, although they did much to promote interest in Mozart, reinforced certain myths—i.e., that even as an adult Mozart remained an inappropriately childish…
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Mark Hamill
Theater and other screen roles
…as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus (1983), among other plays. His early film credits include the teen comedy Corvette Summer (1978) and the war drama The Big Red One (1980).
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…as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus (1983), among other plays. His early film credits include the teen comedy Corvette Summer (1978) and the war drama The Big Red One (1980).
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