In September 2025, the Théâtre de l'Essaïon welcomes an unexpected version of Le Mariage forcé, Molière's short but acidic classic. From September 18 to November 8, this farce is revisited by Louis Arene, masked actor and former resident of the Comédie-Française, in a show created at the Studio-Théâtre in 2022. With his company, Munstrum Théâtre, the director brings a dreamlike aesthetic and a resolutely contemporary reading to this text which, behind the laughter, questions the relationships of domination in couples.
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Sganarelle, an aging, naive bourgeois, believes he can marry Dorimène, a charming young woman. But Dorimène makes no secret of her taste for freedom or her interest in fortune, leaving her husband-to-be increasingly doubtful. To allay his concerns, he consults philosophers, bohemians and soothsayers, all to no avail. Molière sketches a biting social satire in which a man, believing himself to dominate, finds himself dominated and ridiculed by a free-spirited, resolute woman. A lively comedy, where farce flirts with a sharp critique of patriarchal morality.
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This version of Le Mariage forcé would appeal to both teenage and adult audiences, who are sensitive to visual writing and strong staging choices. Louis Arene 's signature mask work would transform this short play into a singular theatrical experience, somewhere between a wry comedy and a strange dream. Audiences in search of traditional theater may find it unsettling, but those open to hybrid forms will find here an inventive and engaging re-reading. The show tackles highly topical themes of love and power games, through a free, embodied scenic style.
In this resolutely contemporary masked production, Le Mariage forcé finds a new resonance on the stage of the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier. A classic farce hijacked as a stage laboratory, where social conventions are shattered in a burst of laughter... with the appearance of a grating mirror.
This article is based on information available about the show and is not based on a viewing of the piece.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 18, 2025 to November 8, 2025
Location
Théâtre de l'Essaïon
6 Rue Pierre au Lard
75004 Paris 4
Booking
essaion-theatre.com
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Current and upcoming plays at the Comédie-Française
