Titres dans Drames et pièces de théâtre

The Two Noble Kinsmen is a captivating Jacobean tragicomedy co-crafted by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, first published in 1634. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn ancient Greece, the story unfolds around two noble cousins, Palamon and Arcite, whose deep bond is tragically shattered by their shared love for the enchanting Emilia. As the drama unfolds, we also witness the poignant tale of the Gaolers Daughter, who descends into madness over her unrequited love for Palamon. Drawing inspiration from Chaucers The Knights Tale, this play resonates with echoes of Shakespeare’s A ...

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 ...

Experience the charm of Shakespeares earliest comedy, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, believed to have been penned around 1590-91. This delightful tale revolves around two inseparable friends, Valentine and Proteus, whose bond is tested when they both fall for the enchanting Silvia. In a twist of fate, Proteus abandons his loyal Julia to chase after Silvia, prompting Julia to disguise herself as a boy and pursue him instead. With a host of humorous supporting characters, including the unforgettable Launce and his mischievous dog, Crab, this play is a whimsical exploration of friendship, love, and...

In this poignant drama, a well-intentioned second wife finds herself in a constant struggle as she faces unfair comparisons to her husbands first wife. The profound themes of power and happiness are encapsulated in Hilary Jesson’s declaration near the end of the play I declare to you that the happy people Ive come across have never been the people who, possessing power, have employed it malevolently or uncharitably. This compelling piece not only garnered acclaim in England but also resonated with audiences as far away as Milan, where an Italian adaptation captivated theatergoers. - Summary ...

Mirandolina, a savvy innkeeper in Florence, captivates all who enter her establishment, aided only by her devoted employee, Fabricius. Among her guests are the newly wealthy Count D’Albafiorita and the impoverished yet noble Marquis di Forlipopoli, both vying for her affection while engaging in witty banter about the merits of wealth versus nobility. Meanwhile, the cynical Cavalier di Ripafratta dismisses their romantic pursuits and mocks the concept of love—yet will he succumb to the enchanting Mirandolina’s allure? Can any of these suitors truly win the heart of such an independent ...

Step back into the Wild West with Lightnin, a captivating tale from 1918 that captivated audiences for over 1000 performances on Broadway and inspired two film adaptations. Set against the backdrop of a seedy hotel straddling the Nevada-California state line, this story unfolds as Lightnin’ Bill Jones and his wife navigate a world rife with legal complexities and cunning out-of-town businessmen. As the locals band together, they reveal a depth of savvy and resilience that surprises everyone. Join us for a thrilling ride through the hills where the unexpected is always just around the corner....

Step into the witty world of Oscar Wildes most celebrated play, where two dapper bachelors, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, cleverly navigate their social lives with the help of invented identities. However, their charming fabrications unravel in amusing fashion when love enters the scene, embodied by the enchanting Gwendolyn Fairfax and the sweet Cecily Cardew. As the gentlemen scramble to untangle their tangled web of lies to win their hearts and face the formidable Lady Bracknell, a delightful chaos ensues. Join us for an entertaining journey filled with humor and romance, expertly ...

Carl Stanton, confined by a peculiar case of rheumatism, finds himself grappling with loneliness as his fiancée spends the winter away. Desperate for connection, he pleads for letters that only trickle in, leaving him with a sense of longing. In a whimsical act fueled by mischief and frustration, Carl decides to reply to a so-called ridiculous circular sent by his fiancée, leading to an unexpected whirlwind of correspondence. This newfound distraction not only alleviates his boredom and pain but also brings surprises that change his outlook in ways he never anticipated.

Dive into the whimsical yet poignant world of Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great, a satirical play that parodies the grand narratives of heroic biographies. Follow the journey of Tom Thumb, a mighty little hero with a big heart, as he navigates love, ambition, and the absurdities of court life. With a blend of biting humor and clever footnotes by the fictitious H. Scriblerus Secundus, this play offers a unique take on the events and personalities of its time. Beware, as the title suggests, this is not your typical fairy tale with a happy ending. Rumor has it that Jane Austen even performed ...

The History of Troilus and Cressida has long perplexed both critics and audiences with its erratic tone, oscillating between bawdy comedy and somber tragedy. This complex work features an unheroic and often unsympathetic cast of characters, weaving through a multitude of subplots and locations that can overshadow even its titular figures. We follow the young Trojan warrior Troilus as he pursues the indifferent Cressida, while also witnessing the Greek leader Agamemnons attempts to compel the proud Achilles into battle, alongside the scathing fool Thersites, who critiques the vanity and ...

In this uproarious tale, Pleusicles is desperately in love with Philocomasium, but their romance takes a turn for the worse when she is kidnapped by the boastful Pyrgopolinices. Palaestrio, Pleusicles devoted servant, witnesses the abduction and rushes to inform his master, only to be caught by pirates and forced into servitude under Pyrgopolinices himself. Undeterred, Palaestrio devises a clever and intricate plan filled with disguises, supposed twin sisters, family connections, and even a monkey, all in a bid to outsmart Pyrgopolinices and reunite Pleusicles with his beloved Philocomasium. ...

Join me for a captivating solo rendition of Oscar Wildes timeless play, The Importance of Being Earnest. In this unique recording, I take on every role, including stage directions, bringing the characters and their witty banter to life. If youre seeking a more traditional dramatic experience, I recommend exploring LibriVoxs fantastic recordings featuring multiple performers. Wildes brilliant humor and sharp social commentary are on full display as we follow two young English gentlemen who fall head over heels for two lovely young ladies—each captivated by the name Earnest. However, the truth...

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 Importance of Being Earnest, a timeless comedy of manners that showcases the folly of social conventions. In this delightful tale, two charming young men adopt the name Ernest to win the hearts of their beloveds, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and unexpected revelations. First performed on February 14, 1895, at Londons St. James’ Theatre, this play is celebrated by critics and audiences alike as one of the wittiest works in the English language. (Summary from Wikipedia.org)

Step into the world of William Shakespeares Measure for Measure, a play that defies easy categorization. Known as one of Shakespeares problem plays, it weaves a dark narrative infused with moments of levity, leaving audiences grappling with its unresolved tensions. The story unfolds as Duke Vincentio of Vienna hands over his authority to the strict judge Angelo before embarking on a diplomatic journey. However, Vincentio secretly disguises himself as a humble friar to observe Angelos rule, which quickly reveals itself as cruel and unyielding. When a man is sentenced to death for fornication, ...

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of A Midsummer Nights Dream, where three interwoven plots unfold amid the whimsical backdrop of the wedding celebration of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, the fierce Amazon queen. Set against the mystical realms of Fairyland and the moonlit forest, this timeless tale explores love, magic, and the complexities of human relationships. Join a talented cast as they bring to life unforgettable characters—from the mischievous Puck to the feuding lovers, all under the spell of the night.

Dive into the enchanting world of The Merry Devil of Edmonton, a captivating play that has sparked debate over its authorship, with some attributing it to the great William Shakespeare himself. Tucker Brooke, author of The Shakespeare Apocrypha, highlights the dubious nature of the evidence surrounding its attribution, yet he praises its rich vitality, humorous spirit, and delicate portrayal of love and friendship. Whether truly penned by Shakespeare or not, this delightful work stands out as one of the most enjoyable pseudo-Shakespearian plays, inviting readers to experience its charm over ...

Set against the backdrop of impending World War I, Heartbreak House follows Ellie Dunn as she navigates a tangled web of love and societal expectations at one of Hesione Hushabye’s notorious dinner parties. With a scoundrel for a fiancé, a bumbling father, and a secret love for Hector, Hesione’s husband, Ellie finds herself in a farcical yet tragic predicament. This sharp and witty play serves as a biting satire of British society, blissfully unaware of the looming disaster. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Is it a Shakespearean play? Most likely not, but this intriguing comedy, found in a volume labeled Shakespeare in Charles IIs library, certainly captivates. C. F. Tucker Brooke featured it in his 1818 collection of Shakespeare Apocrypha as one of 14 possible plays attributed to the Bard. With William the Conqueror in disguise and Fair Em revealing unexpected layers, this delightful tale offers a blend of humor and clever twists. - Summary by ToddHW

Experience the brilliance of David Garrick’s celebrated 18th-century adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic, Taming of the Shrew. With a masterful touch, Garrick condenses the original five acts into a captivating three, omitting much of the subplot involving Bianca and her suitors. While some critics, like Edgar Allan Poe, dismissed Garrick’s version as a chaotic mishmash of nonsense, it became the preferred rendition for theatrical companies well into the 19th century. Join us as we explore this intriguing interpretation that continues to spark debate and delight audiences. - Summary by ...