This wink to versatile sets, which provided a single space for comedies and another one for tragedies, is above all the expression of a shared dream with Éric Ruf, who designed the original set and necessary adjustments. Switching from the 17th to the 18thcentury, the pair drew inspiration from the Palais Garnier, which later became the Paris Opera. The show’s aesthetics are imbued in the work of Edgar Degas, whose paintings emblazed every corner and nook of the stage, dance halls and house of this 19th century high place.
A set at the crossroads of centuries is a perfect fit for this forgotten piece, which led to scheming against its author; Goldoni wanted to distance himself from his usual Italian comedies in favour of a more natural theatre. This character and choral piece depicts the daily life of young dancers trained by a tyrannical master whose business has taken a nosedive, and who is eager for the arrival of an impresario to whom he wishes to “sell” a few of his students. But the group of dancers, driven by cold and starvation, is hungry for justice and rebellion. Goldoni elected to seize love and art as levers, while also creating remarkably emancipated female characters.
This new addition to the Repertoire was misunderstood in its time, and now echoes our current societal issues. New General Administrator Clément Hervieu-Léger was fascinated by this piece’s utter modernity and by the subject of dance, his first, never-forgotten love.

NEW PRODUCTION

ON TV
France Télévisions
Broadcast date to be announced

subtitles
French Sign Language
Adapted French
French
English

Direction: Clément Hervieu-Léger
Translation: Françoise Decroisette

Scenography: Éric Ruf
Costumes: Julie Scobeltzine
Lighting: Bertrand Couderc
Sound: Jean-Luc Ristord
Artistic and choreographic collaboration: Muriel Zusperreguy
Artistic collaboration: Frédérique Plain
Scenography assistant: Anaïs Levieil
Costume Assistant: Kali Thommes de l’académie de la Comédie-Française
Lighting assistant: Enzo Cescatti

and
Philippe Cavagnat: le Pianiste