Racine’s verses are a constant source of interrogation, fear, and surprise; many write about them, most never truly get them. As the epitome of classical French theatre, Racine is fascinating to some and appears as inaccessible to others. When reading or performing his work, two pitfalls usually arise: that of oratorio, a pure act of recitation eclipsing the meaning in favour of the rhythm; and that of telling (ourselves) the story while forgetting it has indeed been written in a most specific fashion. As the Comédie-Française is on the brink of completing its integral recording of Racine’s tragedies with France Culture, honorary member Claude Mathieu, members Clotilde de Bayser and Dominique Blanc, as well as actor and director Hervé Pierre will conduct a session revolving around a third, intermediate way, the tightrope between the two pitfalls which brings out the truth and full substance of Racine’s words, in all its universality: love, jealousy, burning pride.

ONLINE MAY 15 AT 8:30 P.M.

And
Hervé Pïerre