L’Impromptu de Versailles
Quick Summary
L'Impromptu de Versailles is a one-act play by Molière, first performed in 1663. It is a meta-theatrical work that realistically depicts the actors' lounge and the behind-the-scenes interactions during a rehearsal.1
The play was Molière's response to criticism following the scandal of his earlier play, L'École des femmes. In L'Impromptu de Versailles, Molière uses the setting of a rehearsal to allow his actors to defend his work and his theatrical principles directly to the audience. This innovative approach blurred the lines between performance and reality, showcasing Molière's genius for comedy and his engagement with theatrical criticism.1
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