‘Le Bourgeois Gentillhomme’, a landmark of classical theatre, celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2020. Denis Podalydès revisits this classic with a new production that is tinged with humour and light-heartedness, yet remains faithful to Molière’s text.
In "The Bourgeois Gentleman", Molière paints a delightful portrait of Monsieur Jourdain, a man driven by a singular ambition: to rise above his middle-class status and gain access to a world traditionally reserved for the nobility. Curious, enthusiastic, and endlessly hopeful, he embarks on a passionate journey into the realms of culture, learning, and refinement.
Why do we laugh at Monsieur Jourdain? Because his quest is both comic and deeply human. Beneath his awkward attempts to imitate aristocratic manners lies a sincere desire for self-improvement and cultural discovery.
By restoring the play to its original comedy-ballet form, featuring music based on Lully’s celebrated compositions, director Denis Podalydès brings together theatre, music, dance, and song in a vibrant celebration of the arts. The sumptuous costumes designed by Christian Lacroix further enhance the production, creating a spectacular visual experience.
Balancing humour with tenderness, this production highlights the emotional depth of Molière’s iconic character. Elevated after a series of comic adventures to the fanciful title of “Mamamouchi,” Monsieur Jourdain enjoys his moment of glory amid music and dance. Both ridiculous and endearing, deceived yet triumphant, he embodies that rare theatrical magic where comedy gives way to pure wonder.
Production C.I.C.T. – Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord.
Coproduction Opéra Royal / 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.
Avec la participation artistique de l’ENSAD de Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon, de l’ENSATT et du JTN.
Trompette marine, luthier Jean-Claude Condi, Mirecourt.
Construction des décors Ateliers des Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg ; art & Oh – Benoit Probst.
Confection des costumes Ateliers du Théâtre de Liège.
Why do we laugh at Monsieur Jourdain? Because his quest is both comic and deeply human. Beneath his awkward attempts to imitate aristocratic manners lies a sincere desire for self-improvement and cultural discovery.
By restoring the play to its original comedy-ballet form, featuring music based on Lully’s celebrated compositions, director Denis Podalydès brings together theatre, music, dance, and song in a vibrant celebration of the arts. The sumptuous costumes designed by Christian Lacroix further enhance the production, creating a spectacular visual experience.
Balancing humour with tenderness, this production highlights the emotional depth of Molière’s iconic character. Elevated after a series of comic adventures to the fanciful title of “Mamamouchi,” Monsieur Jourdain enjoys his moment of glory amid music and dance. Both ridiculous and endearing, deceived yet triumphant, he embodies that rare theatrical magic where comedy gives way to pure wonder.
Production C.I.C.T. – Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord.
Coproduction Opéra Royal / 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.
Avec la participation artistique de l’ENSAD de Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon, de l’ENSATT et du JTN.
Trompette marine, luthier Jean-Claude Condi, Mirecourt.
Construction des décors Ateliers des Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg ; art & Oh – Benoit Probst.
Confection des costumes Ateliers du Théâtre de Liège.
