Les Fourberies de Scapin by Molière presented by Panache French Theatre company in Adelaide.
This play is a delicious comedy between two families. The two father and patriarchal figures are Argante and Geronte. Both have two sons, Octave and Cleante who are both in love with beautiful women, but not the choice of their fathers. Both elderly gentlemen made their fortune by being merchants so they travel a lot; long voyage by boat… A lot can happen in the absence of one and the other… The two young women, Hyacinthe and Zerbinette who are the love interest of the young men are beautiful but are they from good families? And, let us not forget the servants and especially the servant extraordinaire, Scapin. He is clever, intelligent, conning and very audacious. The word farce means a type of comedy where the laughter is at the expense of someone else. Scapin makes fools of
Argante and Geronte, just like the pie in the face… It is just a most delicious comedy. The play was first performed in 1671 and maybe it was the very start of what the “Soap Opera” genre is today. Come and have a laugh in French!
English subtitles are displayed during the play.