Table of Contents
How did Molière change Theatre?
He combined Italian Commedia dell’arte and more traditional French comedy. Commedia dell’arte allowed some improvisation which suited the quick writing style of some of Moliere’s works. There was much criticism of his works particularly by the Church. The Patronage of Louis the XIV helped him withstand their attacks.
Who was Moliere and why was he important?
The French dramatist Molière was the master of French comedy. His plays often attacked hypocrisy (pretending to possess qualities one does not actually have). He also directed, acted, and managed theater groups.
What was theater like during Moliere’s time?
Theatre architecture in France relied on Italian design. Plays were performed two to three times a week and, unlike in England, women were allowed on the stage. The defining theatrical aesthetic was neoclassicism. Plays had to be submitted to the Academie Francaise to determine if they followed Neoclassical ideals.
Where did Moliere perform?
Molière often played major roles in his own plays. Molière’s company performing at Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles. Molière began his career in the theatre as an actor but found French tragedy too difficult.
What is Molière famous for?
Molière, original name Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, (baptized January 15, 1622, Paris, France—died February 17, 1673, Paris), French actor and playwright, the greatest of all writers of French comedy.
What is the purpose of Tartuffe?
During this time, Molière appealed to the king on behalf of his banned play Tartuffe, famously writing in his first appeal, “the purpose of the comedy is to correct the faults of men,” and arguing for the moral necessity of the play.
What was Moliere influenced by?
Jean Racine
Pierre CorneillePlautusGiordano Bruno
Molière/Influenced by
What kind of plays did Moliere write for the stage?
Molière wrote comedies for the stage. He is the author of enduring plays such as Tartuffe and Le Misanthrope . Many of his plays contained scandalous material. They were met with public outcry and were suppressed by the Roman Catholic Church. What is Molière’s legacy? Molière created a new kind of comedy.
When did Charles Moliere start his theatre company?
Molière founded his own theatre company in his early 20s. His company toured the French provinces for several years and eventually secured the patronage of King Louis XIV ’s brother in 1658 at a performance given at the Louvre. With the advantage of royal patronage, Molière’s company began to grow in prestige.
Why was Moliere allowed to perform in Paris?
This was a significant moment as theatre companies were not allowed to perform in Paris without permission. This would be the beginning of Molière’s theatre career in Paris and patronage by King Louis XIV. This patronage often saved Molière from harsh criticism of his life and work. It even extended to the King acting as godfather to his children.
Where did the stage name Moliere come from?
His stage name, Molière, is first found in a document dated June 28, 1644. He was to give himself entirely to the theatre for 30 years and to die exhausted at the age of 51. A talented actress, Madeleine Béjart, persuaded Molière to establish a theatre, but she could not keep the young company alive and solvent.