Showing results by author "Molière" in All Categories

Step into the world of Bourgeois Gentleman, where the aspirations of a middle-class social climber collide with the realities of high society. Monsieur Jourdain, convinced that mastering the manners and arts of a true gentleman will elevate his status, becomes the perfect target for Molières sharp satire. This timeless piece, originally performed in 1670 before the court of Louis XIV and accompanied by music from Jean-Baptiste Lully, offers a witty critique of both the pretentious bourgeoisie and the snobbish aristocracy. In this spoken rendition, audiences will experience the humor and irony...

In the aftermath of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, as peace reigns, Louis XIV decides to host a grand festival in his cherished gardens at Versailles, with Molières lively comedy, George Dandin, as the highlight. The story unfolds as a wife returns home late to find the door locked and threatens to end her life if her husband doesn’t let her in. In a clever twist, she feigns a suicide attempt, causing her husband to rush out in a panic, only for her to sneak inside and lock him out. With the added chaos of her clueless parents—aptly named Sotenville, meaning Idiot in Town—this tale ...

In this captivating play, a colorful cast of characters—including fathers, lovers, mistresses, and servants—navigates a web of misunderstandings that seems impossible to unravel. The witty exchanges between Valère and Ascanio, the awkward apologies of Albert and Polydore, and Luciles bewilderment when confronted by her father all unfold with masterful precision. Central to the story is the charmingly tumultuous relationship between Éraste and Lucile, whose playful tiff and heartfelt reconciliation are regarded as some of the most memorable moments in the play.

Dive into the witty world of Molière with Bores, where the playwright himself muses on the rapid creation of comedy. In just a fortnight, he crafted a performance that showcases the myriad of bores found at both the Court and in the City. This clever satire unravels the absurdities of human nature and the art of theatrical storytelling, reminding us that sometimes, the journey is just as entertaining as the destination. Join us for a delightful exploration of character and comedy, as we laugh through the intricacies of social interactions and the quirks of society.

When Sganarelle enlists the help of four fashionable doctors to cure his ailing daughter, chaos ensues as they bicker and argue instead of diagnosing her. Driven to desperation, Sganarelle takes to the streets, where he encounters a quack and discovers his daughters secret lover in disguise. Molière himself describes this work as a light-hearted impromptu, hastily composed at the request of the King in just five days. This spoken rendition captures the essence of the play, excluding the original songs and dances set to Lullys music. - Summary by ToddHW

Delve into the enchanting tale of Amphitryon and Alcmene, which weaves together the ancient myth of Hercules birth. This timeless story, celebrated in the literature of various cultures, is brought to life through Molières masterful pen. His rendition transforms it into one of the most delightful and lively comedies ever crafted in French verse, brimming with sprightliness and wit. Join us for an engaging journey that highlights the charm of this classic tale. - Summary by Translator Henri Van Laun

Step into the world of early Molière with Blunderer, or The Counterplots. This captivating play features Mascarille, a servant who breaks the mold of his contemporaries. Unlike the coarse and base characters often seen in the comedies of his time, Mascarille is a delightful blend of wit and charm, embodying the spirit of Villon. With a knack for inventing new plots after each mishap and a jovial disposition that keeps both himself and others amused, he navigates through life’s absurdities with humor and audacity. Prepare for a journey filled with clever twists and entertaining antics, ...

In May 1664, Louis XIV hosted a dazzling and extravagant fête at Versailles, delighting both the Queen-mother, Anne of Austria, and his wife, Maria Theresa. The highlight of the event was the enchanting performance of The Princess of Elis, a comedy-ballet crafted by Molière. This captivating work explores the timeless struggle between male and female affections, illustrating how victory often favors those who appear most distant from their desires. While Molières signature wit and humor shine through, they are tempered by the constraints of courtly decorum.

Step into the world of Molières comedic genius with The School for Wives, first performed in 1662. This play explores the intricate dynamics between jealous lovers and the innocent wards they seek to control. A delightful blend of wit and farce, it invites listeners to witness the cunning of love as it liberates a young girl from the constraints of authority. Notably, Molières own marriage during this period may have influenced his portrayal of relationships. Join us as we delve into this timeless classic and discover how Molières perspective on love and marriage may have evolved. - Summary...

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of Molière as we explore his unfinished Heroic Pastoral, inspired by the enchanting tale of Florizel and Perdita from Shakespeares Winter’s Tale. Though Molière only completed the first two acts, the charm of his writing, the delicate sentiment, and the vibrant pastoral scenes leave us yearning for more. This piece was performed in December 1666, offering a delightful glimpse into Molières creative genius. Following this, we present a lively Comic Pastoral, performed as part of the Ballet of the Muses in January 1667, which likely replaced ...

In this delightful romp, Moliere and his troupe receive an urgent summons from the King to perform at the opulent Versailles. However, instead of showcasing the piece they had meticulously prepared, the King demands an entirely new play—ready within hours! The entire story unfolds backstage, where Moliere must conjure a captivating narrative on the spot, while his frantic actors scramble to choose their roles amidst the chaos. The lively exchanges between the characters are laced with sharp satire, offering a humorous glimpse into the personalities of Molieres era, even if some references ...

Step into the whimsical world of The Imaginary Invalid (French Le Malade imaginaire), a captivating three-act comédie-ballet penned by the legendary French playwright Molière. First performed in 1673, this was the final masterpiece he created before his untimely passing. In a poignant twist of fate, Molière collapsed during his fourth performance as Argan on February 17 and died soon after. Join us for a delightful exploration of themes surrounding health, deception, and the absurdities of life. (Summary by Wikipedia)

The Miser is a witty comedy of manners that revolves around the life of Harpagon, a wealthy and miserly moneylender. His spirited children yearn to break free from his tight-fisted grip and pursue their own romantic passions. While the upper classes of 17th-century France may have taken issue with the plays themes, it offers a lighter touch and a more nuanced perspective than Molières earlier work, Tartuffe, which faced significant backlash upon its debut. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Step back into the world of 1661 and 1662, where the brilliant Molière brought to life two iconic plays The School for Husbands and The School for Wives. In this comedic masterpiece, we explore the themes of jealousy and authority as Sganarelle, a possessive lover, grapples with his emotions and the complexities of love. Accompanying him is the clever ward, who, thanks to the wit of love, finds her way to freedom. Join us as we delve into Molières comedic genius and discover how his own marriage may have influenced his perspective. Listen to both plays and witness the evolution of his ...

In this witty and engaging tale, two young lovers, Henriette and Clitandre, find themselves facing a formidable challenge on their path to marriage the disapproving attitudes of Henriettes family. While her sensible father and uncle are supportive of their union, they are overshadowed by Henriettes mother, Philaminte, who is determined to see her daughter wed to Trissotin—a pretentious scholar and mediocre poet who has captivated the minds of Henriettes mother, aunt, and sister. These three learned women are obsessed with culture and intellectual pursuits, and Trissotin is their prized ...

Faut-il manger pour vivre, ou vivre pour manger ? La madeleine de Proust est-elle vraiment celle que l'on croit ? La trompe d'éléphant est-elle comestible ? Vous trouverez réponse à ces épineuses questions, et à bien d'autres, dans notre sélection de 19 textes cultes commentés Une balade littéraire divertissante et instructive à travers les textes de Brillat-Savarin, La Bruyère, Théophile Gauthier, Proust, Zola, Rabelais, Flaubert, Balzac, Maupassant, Molière, Hugo, Huysmans, Pétrone, Daudet, Madame de Sévigné et des Frères Goncourt. Bon appétit ! Textes commentés par Sylvain Trias.

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. "Those who admired noble thoughts, select language, accurate deliniations of character, and a perfect and entertaining style, placed this comedy from the very beginning where it is generally put, with the common consent of all students of sound literature, in the foremost rank of the good comedies of Moliere.

It’s no secret that writers often used their books, poems, and plays to impart observations, thoughts, and reflections. This was also the case for the literature of the 17th century which followed France’s pioneering status in politics and culture. "500 Quotations from the Great French Writers of the 17th Century" offers a fascinating snapshot of that changing society, seen through the eyes of some of the best writers of the era. A superb book for dipping in and out of, this makes a great gift for anyone with an interest in French literature.

"100 Quotes by Molière" is a compendium of thoughts and observations by one of the greatest minds of 17th-century France. Often witty, sometimes sharp, and occasionally touching, readers will find themselves getting a sneak peek inside Molière’s mind. A superb read, "100 Quotes by Molière" is ideal for those with an interest in theatre and a wonderful book for dipping in and out of. One of France’s greatest dramatists, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622 – 1673), better known by his stage name, Molière, was born in Paris.

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