Dom Juan; ou le festin de pierre

play by Molière

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June 25, 2026

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Dom Juan; ou, le festin de pierre is a play by Molière first performed in 1665. It is based on the legend of Don Juan, a character who originated in Spanish legend and became an archetype of libertinism.1

In Molière's version, Dom Juan embodies the extreme of aristocratic principle by disclaiming all obligations, yet expecting others to fulfill theirs. His servant, Sganarelle, serves as his opposite, representing earthy timidity and superstition. The play was intended as a quick money-maker but was a costly failure, mysteriously removed after 15 performances and never published by Molière. The legend of Don Juan involves seducing a noblewoman, killing her father, and then being visited by the father's tomb effigy, which ultimately leads to Don Juan's damnation for refusing to repent.21

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…in 1665 a version of Dom Juan; ou, le festin de pierre (“Don Juan; or, The Feast of Stone”) with a spectacular ending in which an atheist is committed to hell—but only after he has amused and scandalized the audience. Dom Juan was meant to be a quick money raiser,…
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…in 1665 a version of Dom Juan; ou, le festin de pierre (“Don Juan; or, The Feast of Stone”) with a spectacular ending in which an atheist is committed to hell—but only after he has amused and scandalized the audience. Dom Juan was meant to be a quick money raiser,…
Read More