Mois Molière à Versailles 2023, the program of shows at mini prices and free of charge

Since its inception in 1996, Molière Month has gone from strength to strength, becoming a not-to-be-missed event. François de Mazières, Mayor of Versailles and creator of the event, points out that this festival offers the public of Versailles and the Île-de-France region the opportunity to preview a number of new plays, some of which go on to perform at the Avignon Festival.

Le Mois Molière is not limited to Molière's plays. It offers an eclectic program adapted to all audiences, combining original creations and successful revivals from the previous year. Companies in residence at Versailles play an essential role in presenting their new creations during Molière Month, notably in the prestigious setting of the Grandes Écuries.

One of the remarkable aspects of this event is its accessibility. By keeping ticket prices to just €2, the festival aims to make theater and music more accessible, and to foster a love of the performing arts. According to François de Mazières, it's the only festival in France to offer such high-quality programming at such low prices.

Le Mois Molière also offers a stage for amateur companies, contributing to the diversity and richness of the program. In all, some 330 performances will take place in 62 different venues, featuring around a thousand actors and musicians. A real treat for the 150,000 spectators expected.

Here's an overview of the productions on the program for Molière Month in Versailles:

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• Braconniers, une histoire africaine: an original play by Eric Bouvron inspired by his childhood in South Africa.
  
• Le Malade imaginaire: a comedy by Molière directed by l'Accompagnie, a troupe formed twenty years ago at the Théâtre Montansier.
  
• Les Fourberies de Scapin: another one of Molière's plays, directed by Anthony Magnier of the Viva company, which brings together actors from various troupes in residence at Versailles.
  
• Richard III: a creation directed and performed by William Mesguich, highlighting his passion for classical theater.
  
• La Voix d'or: a show combining singing and comedy, created by Eric Bu, telling a hilarious family and musical saga.
  
• Rentrée 42, bienvenue les enfants: a poignant play about the roundup of Jews, created by Pierre-Olivier Scotto and Xavier Lemaire, which tackles the theme of the Shoah through the story of the start of the school year in 1942 and highlights the absence of Jewish pupils.
  
• The Diary of a Madman: adapted from the work of Nikolai Gogol, this play directed by Ronan Rivière explores the meandering madness of a man who loses himself in his thoughts and invents an extraordinary adventure.
  
• Dolores: directed by Virginie Lemoine, this play written by Yann Guillon and Stéphane Laporte tells the story of Sylvin Rubinstein, a flamenco enthusiast who joins the resistance against the Nazis.
  
• Les Téméraires: inspired by the Dreyfus affair, this play features Emile Zola and Georges Méliès who engage in a struggle for the truth, while the army and the state propagate anti-Semitic rumors.
  
• Le Misanthrope: Victor O'Byrne directs and adapts this comedy by Molière, highlighting the different facets of human nature through its characters.
  
• L'État de siège: created by Emmanuel Besnault's L'Éternel été company in residence, this rarely staged play by Albert Camus follows the itinerary of a population united by fear in the face of a prophetic comet and the saving presence of wind and sea.
  
• Docteur burlesque et mystère Molière: a creation by the Comédiens et compagnie troupe, directed by Jean-Hervé Appéré, to be performed at the Maison de quartier des Chantiers.

Don't delay in reserving your seats, as tickets are going fast. Online ticketing opened on May 22 for performances in the courtyard of the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles from June 1 to 15. A second session is scheduled for June 6 for shows scheduled between June 16 and July 2. Some performances are free of charge, others at a reduced price, but all require a reservation.

Once again this year, the program is wide-ranging, and will appeal to adults and children alike. Online booking is compulsory. Most shows are 2 euros!