Showing results by author "Molière" in All Categories

Molière wrote some of the most durable and penetrating comedies of all time. The Imaginary Cuckold and The School for Husbands are two of his grand farces of marriage and misunderstanding, one set in Paris and the other in the provinces. In The School for Husbands, a tyrannical husband-to-be seeks to isolate his ward, while unwittingly carrying her messages of devotion to her lover. In The Imaginary Cuckold, an enraged husband imagines his wife is unfaithful, but is reluctant to defend his honor.

This timeless comedy of manners is considered one of Molière's most probing and mature works. While it's still an exemplar of 17th century farce, Molière went beyond his usual comic inventiveness to create a world of rich, complex characters, especially in the cynical title character Alceste, played here by the Tony Award-winning actor Brian Bedford.

Comédie en 3 actes.

Six hilarious satires from the ingenious Molière, France’s original master of comedies: "The Imaginary Cuckold", "The School for Husbands", "The School for Wives", "Tartuffe" and "The Misanthrope".

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known as Molière, stands as one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. His renowned play, Tartuffe, or The Hypocrite, first unveiled in 1664, showcases a compelling tale of deception and moral conflict. While initially embraced by the public and even by Louis XIV, the plays popularity faced challenges when the Archbishop of Paris issued a threatening edict against its performance and viewing. The narrative centers on Tartuffe, a duplicitous con artist posing as a pious individual, who cunningly embeds himself within Orgons household. As Orgon ...

Alceste, the misanthrope, hates everyone including himself. But unlike in many pure farces with their cliche stock characters, the characters here are much more well-rounded, and who knows—Alceste might actually grow and change throughout the play.

C'est un classique et pourtant cette célèbre pièce de Molière reflète bien le monde actuel. Dans une société où la compromission est indispensable au respect de l'ordre social, Alceste, le misanthrope, ne peut trouver sa place.

In Don Juan, Molière delivers a powerful critique of hypocrisy, perhaps even more biting than in Tartuffe. The protagonist is portrayed as a man of wealth, nobility, and audacity, who shows utter disregard for both divine and earthly authority. With impeccable manners but despicable principles, Don Juan embodies the archetype of a polished deceiver—an individual who exploits the privileges of his noble birth while shirking its responsibilities. Molière does not merely present the nobleman as a figure of ridicule; rather, he renders him a terrifying embodiment of moral decay. - Summary by ...

Jean-Baptiste Pocquelin, better known by his pen-name Molière, was France's greatest satirical dramatist. Such was his influence on the French language that it is often referred to as 'the language of Molière', and he has been dubbed 'the French Shakespeare'. A leading 17th Century comic actor and director, his genius encompassed all aspects of stage comedy, and his plays continue to appeal to audiences today. Included here are six of his masterpieces, as heard on BBC Radio.

In 17th-century Sicily, a clever valet named Mascarille tries to help his boss, Lélie, win the girl of his dreams – only to find that Lélie is a monumental dunce who ruins every one of his intricate schemes. Undaunted, Mascarille invents progressively wilder plots, only to see his best-laid plans go very awry in Molière’s The Bungler, translated by Richard Wilbur.

Initially banned in France by King Louis, Molière's celebrated social satire Tartuffe exposes false piety and hypocrisy in the Catholic Church. When a pious fraud worms his way into a wealthy family and manipulates the patriarch into giving up his fortune, it’s up to his family to expose the truth before they end up in the poorhouse!

Avec des extraits des plus célèbres pièces interprétées par Louis Jouvet.

Ce livre audio est composé de 27 tirades et monologues célèbres du théâtre.

L'Avare est sans doute la pièce la plus célèbre de Molière. C'est l'un de ses chefs-d'œuvre les plus joués, qui s'est imposé comme l'un des piliers du répertoire de la Comédie-Française. Ce coffret propose en complément : L'Étourdi ou les Contretemps (inspirée de la commedia dell'arte) et Le Dépit amoureux (une étude des sentiments et des malentendus mondains).

Dive into the delightful chaos of Physician In Spite of Himself, a comedic tale infused with wit and humor. Follow the misadventures of Sganarelle, an unsuspecting man who is mistaken for a doctor, leading to a series of hilariously unexpected events. As he navigates the challenges of love, greed, and mistaken identity, we witness the amusing yet poignant moments that arise, including the transformation of a mute girl and the philosophical insights that accompany newfound wealth. With entertaining exchanges between Sganarelle and Geronte, this story offers laughter and lessons in equal measure...

Molières Don Garcia of Navarre stands apart from his other works like The Pretentious Young Ladies and Sganarelle. Premiering on February 4, 1661, shortly after the arrival of Maria Theresa, the young wife of Louis XIV, this heroic comedy reflects a renewed interest in Spanish drama in France. With Spanish actors performing the works of Lope de Vega and Calderon, Molière seized the opportunity to craft a narrative that explores the depths of passionate jealousy. He skillfully contrasts the absurdity of jealousy with a portrayal of its darker, more complex emotions, capturing the doubts, ...

Meet Scapin, the cunning trickster and manipulator who believes he can control the fates of those around him. In this delightful tale, he finds himself embroiled in a web of romantic intrigue as he strives to assist two secret lovers whose families are determined to keep them apart. Will his schemes lead to a happy ending, or will his meddling only complicate matters further? Join us for a whimsical journey filled with laughter, love, and unexpected twists!

In a grand display befitting his illustrious reign, King Louis XIV envisioned an entertainment that would showcase the full splendor of the stage. To bring this ambitious vision to life, he chose a captivating tale of two rival princes competing in the picturesque vale of Tempe, where the Pythian Games are set to unfold. Their rivalry centers around the enchanting young princess, Eriphyle, and her mother, as they go to extravagant lengths to win their hearts through a whirlwind of gallantry and charm.

In Molières Misanthrope, we delve into the complex psyche of Alceste, a man who harbors disdain for humanity, including himself. Unlike typical farces filled with clichéd characters, this play offers a richly developed cast that challenges societal norms. As Alceste navigates the tumultuous waters of love and friendship, there lies the potential for genuine growth and transformation. Esteemed for its eloquent dialogue, intricate character portrayals, and captivating style, this comedy has rightfully earned its place among the great works of Molière, celebrated by literary scholars and ...

Step into the world of Molières Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, a brilliant farce performed on October 6, 1669. Molière masterfully blends humor with sharp social commentary, delivering a comedic critique of the medical profession of his time. When Molière himself takes on the role of Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, the result is a delightful romp filled with intrigue, romance, and unforgettable characters. Join us for a theatrical experience that showcases Molières genius in farce, making this play one of his finest works. - Summary by The Translator