Simon Falguières’ troop in the footsteps of Molière

Full of liveliness, the play Molière and her masks de Simon Falguières is a political fable and a farce. After a tour of villages and cities with an audience made up of walkers, this fresco inspired by the life of the famous playwright was playing at the Montpellier theater festival, and was offered outdoors in different places in the metropolis and a whole weekend at the D domain. Art, links with power, and religious component are questioned, mirror of our society.

“This small raft of planks and sail …”

Manon Rey -actress and singer -, and Charly Fournier (in the roles of Anselme, the historiographer and Dupont …) surround the public with their guitars and one might think of gipsy guests from the festival. The show is punctuated by interludes as in Molière. Manon Rey who followed a lyrical training has a very pretty voice, she plays several instruments and is joined by other actors, under the pines.

The tray rises on trestles, two white curtains separate the scene from the backstage remained on sight with a carrier, the costumes. In a frantic rhythm, the life of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin dit Molière (1622-1673) played by Anne Duverneuil in John and Blouse-scrolls among characters in the history of France, in a language of today. Troupe leader, actor and author, Molière is nicknamed “the painter” and revolutionized the theater, he s like his contemporaries without complacency.

From the prologue, Charly Fournier anchors the text in current issues: ” Injustice remains injustice. The world still opposes the powerful to the weak. (…) Strength and order always appeal to as many people as possible. And dogmas remain again and again the dark nest of terrors. Six actors whose faces are often masked by fabrics hold several roles. In the spring of the actors, Simon Falguières – director and author of the play – interpreted the roles devoted to an actress, and oh how excellent he is and made the public laugh by her ease, the quality of her game as a mascarille, Madeleine and Richelieu.

After an express and funny presentation of Molière’s childhood -who still loses his mother at eight years old -, the young Jean -Baptiste from the Parisian bourgeoisie chooses his passion for the theater. With Madeleine Béjart, he founded The illustrious theater And leaves for lack of success in Paris, for a tour in the kingdom.

The artist knows precariousness, prison, but remains faithful to his art. For many years, he suffers from the lack of recognition: ” I am on these roads that do not want me. With our theater … This little raft of planks and sailing like a poor boat that spins across fields … “”

Historical characters are jostling

The major biographical events are introduced by the Bateleur (Manon Rey), then by the two historiographers Dupont and Dupont (Antonin Chalon, Charly Fournier). After the protection granted by the Duke of Epernon, the troupe is favorably welcomed by the Prince of Conti (Louis de Villers), at the Pézenas castle. Molière wants to please and is flattering. But the Prince of Conti fell under the thumb of the devotees and chases the troop. The dialogues are very fine and evoke the hypocrisy of customs denounced in the work of the playwright which fought against the pretenses and obscurantism.

In parallel, comedy Etourd or setbacks (1655) amuse the spectators. The brilliant distributed of the valet mascarille (Simon Falguières) are exhausted against Lélie (Louis de Villers), his master with a very limited spirit.

Historical characters are jostling in this hectic 17th century! Henri IV (Antonin Chalon) is assassinated before his son Louis XIII (Anne Duverneuil). Marie de Médicis, the awful mother -however very funny in the guise of Louis de Villers, a crown on her head and holding a cigarette in a haughty way -says only wickedness. The battle for power is fierce: ” I’ll hate you. I repudiate you … I would be king … me and king alone! “”

The relationship is quite different between Anne of Austria and Louis XIV. In an astonishing sequence, she reminds him of the hardness and humiliations of the sling, and in a few steps she turns into a sun king. Manon Rey’s outfit evolves, sparkling with elegance, curly blond hair reinforces the look of the absolute monarch.

1658 is the year of the meeting with Monsieur (Antonin Chalon), brother of the king. Pink wig, patterned dressing gown, it is kind and delicate. He invites Louis XIV to attend a performance at the Louvre. “” He laughed and my life will no longer be the same Said Molière. Alas the waltz of misfortunes is announced. Nothing will be spared him, neither the cabals, nor the betrayals.

After playing in The imaginary patient (1673), Molière attended with great surprise in the unfolding of his life. “” I suffered? He asks. He is crying for the loss of Madeleine, day and night, and he cannot believe that he married his daughter. His marriage is mocked like his theater, he has many enemies who recognize himself in his plays.

Sunglasses, mobile phone, the young and arrogant root (Antonin Chalon) arrives at La Pinède du Domaine d’O, among the public bursts of the public. In an offbeat tone, the ambitious plots against Molière. The play of great richness and full of surprises already ends, what a troop!

Fatma Alilate

Molière and her masks

With : Antonin Chalon, Louis de Villers, Anne Duverneuil, Charly Fournier, Simon Falguières and Manon Rey

Text, staging, and scenography: Simon Falguières

Construction of trestles: The Hydre mill :: Alice Delarue and Léandre Gans

Creation of music: Simon Falguières, Manon Rey, Antonin Chalon and Charly Fournier Costumes creation: Lucile Charvet

Administration – Production – Diffusion: Martin Kergourlay and Jusyne Leguy Genest

Production : Company Le K

COPRODUCTION: Wild trays

Duration: 1h20

Representation of June 7, 2025 – The Domaine d’O Montpellier

Printemps of the actors

Direction : Jean Varela

Company Le K

Tour of Molière and her masks of Simon Falguières – Company Le K

From June 25 to 28, 2025 Molière Fest, La Villette, Paris

July 17, 2025 Festival des Echappées Belles, Alençon

December 19 and 20, 2025, the Franciscans, Deauville

Photos: “Molière and its masks” by Simon Falguières, spring of the comedians Montpellier (C) Fatma Alilate