Showing results by author "Moliere" in All Categories

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".

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.

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!

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).

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

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.

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...

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 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 ...

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 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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.