Here is a masterpiece that celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2020, and whose power remains undiminished. Thanks to Molière’s masterful writing, we are still, even today, hanging on every word of this bourgeois gentleman. Denis Podalydès takes on this classic and offers a production full of humour and lightness, perfectly aligned with the text and Molière’s devastating wit.

In Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, Molière paints the portrait of a dreamer determined to escape his commoner status and reach a terra incognita that birth has denied him. Why mock Monsieur Jourdain? The bourgeois simply wants to discover what we now call “culture”, and sets about the vast task of bringing his dreams to life… And who cares if those dreams are those of a ridiculous man? By choosing to return the play to its original form as a comedy-ballet set to music by Lully, Denis Podalydès has brought together all the arts. With this theatrical extravaganza, costumed by Christian Lacroix, he aims for the apotheosis of the senses so longed for by his hero. Of course, the play invites laughter. But it is hard not to feel affection for this man of no particular qualities who, singlehandedly, attempts to initiate the first cultural revolution? Elevated, after a thousand comic misadventures, to the rank of “Mamamouchi”, Monsieur Jourdain lives his moment of glory in music and dance – sick with his own bourgeoisie, an imaginary gentleman, both fulfilled and defeated, deceived and triumphant – in that rare theatrical moment when ridicule gives way to pure wonder.

Production C.I.C.T. – Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord.

Co-production Royal Opera / Château de Versailles Spectacles, Les Nuits de Fourvière / Département du Rhône, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Théâtre de Liège, Théâtre de Caen, Ensemble Baroque de Limoges / Fondation Laborie, Maison de la Culture d’Amiens, Châteauvallon – Scène nationale, Printemps des Comédiens / Montpellier.

With the artistic participation of ENSAD Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon, ENSATT, and JTN.

Marine trumpet, luthier Jean-Claude Condi, Mirecourt.

Set construction by the Workshops of the Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg; art & Oh – Benoit Probst.

Costume making by the Workshops of the Théâtre de Liège.

Comedy-ballet in five acts, premiered at the Château de Chambord in 1670.

Show in French, without surtitles.

First part : 1h40

Intermission

Second part : 1h15

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

REDUCED RATE : applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

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