After the success of the performances at the Opera Royal, where it was filmed, this colourful Bourgeois Gentleman comes back to Versailles !
12 to 15 January 2017 - Royal Opera The Bourgeois gentilhomme
In the Bourgeois Gentleman, Molière draws the portrait of an adventurer of the mind whose only desire is to escape his lowly condition to set foot on territories from which he is excluded… the discovery of a terra incognita forbidden to him because of his birth. Why laugh at Monsieur Jourdain? The bourgeois’ only dream is to discover what we call “culture” today and to give life to his dreams, at whatever cost…No matter if his dreams are those of a ridiculous man.
When Denys Podalydès chose to restore this play in its original comedy-ballet in music format, with scores by Lully, he called upon all art forms. In this celebration of the theatre in Christian Lacroix costumes, he created the ecstasy of all senses that his hero, played by Pascal Rénéric, has been dreaming of. Of course, one must laugh at the comedy. But how can one not feel some tenderness for this man without quality, who launches a first cultural revolution all by himself? After innumerable comical twists and turns in the plot, Monsieur Jourdain is granted the title of “Mamamouchi” and experiences his hour of fame, with music and dancing, an imaginary gentleman, sickened by his bourgeois rank; his dream comes true but he is defeated, he triumphs and is duped at the same time, in a rare and theatrical moment where ridicule turns into pure amazement.
PROGRAMME
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)
Molière (1622-1673)
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
Comedy Ballet by Molière in five acts.
Music by Jean-Baptiste Lully.
First performed at Château de Chambord on 14th October 1670.
Casting
- Ensemble La Révérence
- Denis Podalydès Mise en scène Sociétaire de la Comédie Française
- Christophe Coin Musical director
Practical information
Thursday 12 january 2017 – 8pm
Friday 13 january 2017 – 8pm
Saturday 14 january 2017 – 7pm
Sunday 15 january 2017 – 3pm
