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French drama -- Translations into English Books
Best books
Maurice Maeterlinck
The Blue Bird: A Fairy Play in Six Acts
"The Blue Bird: A Fairy Play in Six Acts" by Maurice Maeterlinck is a play written in 1908. Two children, Mytyl and Tyltyl, embark on a magical quest to find The Blue Bird of Happiness, guided by the good fairy Bérylune. Their journey explores the true nature of joy and contentment, teaching them to discover beauty and happiness in unexpected places. Through encounters with mysterious beings and revelations about wealth and simplicity, the children learn profound lessons about what truly matters in life.
Guy de Maupassant
Comedy of Marriage and Other Tales
"Comedy of Marriage and Other Tales" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories likely written during the late 19th century. The work explores the complexities of marriage through various characters and scenarios, with the initial story, "La Paix du Ménage," introducing us to the troubled relationship of Monsieur and Madame de Sallus as well as the deepened connection between Madame de Sallus and her lover, Jacques de Randol. At the start of the play, we are placed in a drawing room where Madame de Sallus engages in a secretly affectionate conversation with Jacques de Randol, highlighting their romantic tension. Their dialogue reveals the strain in Madame de Sallus's marriage with Monsieur de Sallus, who has largely been indifferent to her affections. The characters navigate feelings of love, desire, jealousy, and discontent within the bounds of societal expectations, with Madame de Sallus contemplating her feelings for both her husband and Jacques. This mix of themes sets the stage for a critical examination of marriage and infidelity, reflecting the intricacies and emotional challenges faced by the characters.
Eugène Brieux
Three Plays by Brieux With a Preface by Bernard Shaw
"Three Plays by Brieux" by Eugène Brieux is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. This compilation showcases Brieux's contributions to contemporary theatre, highlighting his explorations of social issues through tragi-comedy. The plays delve into critical themes, such as the challenges of motherhood in "Maternity," the societal pressures on family dynamics in "The Three Daughters of M. Dupont," and the ramifications of sexual health in "Damaged Goods." At the start of "Maternity," we are introduced to the characters of Lucie and the sous-préfet, Brignac, as they engage in light banter in their home. Brignac discusses his day filled with official duties and reflects on the importance of societal roles while revealing a circular from the Minister of the Interior regarding the declining birthrate in France. The tone is one of optimism and ambition, with Brignac keen to leverage his position to create local committees aimed at addressing this issue. The opening sets the groundwork for a multifaceted exploration of family life, social responsibility, and the interplay of personal and political aspirations, hinting at the deeper inquiries into maternity and societal expectations that will unfold throughout the play.
Molière
Amphitryon
"Amphitryon" by Molière is a comedy first performed in 1668. Based on Greek mythology and Plautus's ancient play, it tells the story of Jupiter disguising himself as the mortal Amphitryon to seduce the beautiful Alcmene. Meanwhile, Mercury impersonates Amphitryon's servant Sosie, creating chaos and confusion. As look-alikes clash and identities blur, the real Amphitryon struggles to understand why his faithful wife describes a night that never happened. This comedic tale of divine deception became an immediate success and allegedly sparked scandal by hinting at King Louis XIV's own romantic escapades.
Pierre Corneille
Polyeucte
"Polyeucte" by Pierre Corneille is a drama written in 1642. Set in ancient Armenia under Roman rule, the play follows Polyeucte, a nobleman who converts to Christianity during a time of persecution. His decision devastates his wife Pauline and father-in-law Felix, who desperately try to save him from martyrdom. A romantic complication emerges when Severus, a Roman who loves Pauline, hopes to claim her after Polyeucte's conversion. The play interweaves themes of faith, love, and sacrifice in one of the last major French dramas to explore religious subjects.
Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
The Follies of a Day; or, The Marriage of Figaro A comedy, as it is now performing at the Theatre-Royal, Covent-Garden. From the French of M. de Beaumarchais
"The Follies of a Day; or, The Marriage of Figaro" by Beaumarchais is a comedy written in 1778. Three years after helping the Count win his bride, the clever servant Figaro prepares for his own wedding to Suzanne. But the Count, already bored with marriage, has set his sights on the bride-to-be. What follows is a mad day of schemes, disguises, and social intrigue that shocked King Louis XVI and became so controversial it took six years to reach the public stage.
Victorien Sardou
The Sorceress: A Drama in Five Acts
"The Sorceress: A Drama in Five Acts" by Victorien Sardou is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The drama revolves around themes of love, bigotry, and persecution set against the backdrop of 16th-century Spain after the Reconquista. The primary characters include Zoraya, a Moorish woman accused of sorcery, and Don Enrique, a Castilian officer who grapples with his feelings for her amidst the societal conflicts of their time. At the start of the play, we are introduced to a tense scene involving the arrest of local peasants, accused of stealing the body of a young Moor, Kalem, who was stoned to death for his forbidden love affair with a Christian girl. Don Enrique, the commander of the archers, intervenes to question the captured peasants, displaying both authority and compassion. We learn of the tensions between Christians and Moors, and the prejudices that lead to accusations of witchcraft. The initial clash sets the stage for the unfolding drama, particularly highlighting the relationship between Enrique and Zoraya, which hints at deeper themes of love and societal boundaries as they navigate their dangerous world together.
Judith Gautier
The Daughter of Heaven
"The Daughter of Heaven" by Pierre Loti and Judith Gautier is a historical drama written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in the tumultuous context of late imperial China, exploring themes of power, identity, and society during a time when the Ming Dynasty faces Tartar oppression. The main character is the Chinese Empress, referred to as the Daughter of Heaven, who is set to restore the Ming throne while navigating the political tensions of her time. The opening of the play introduces the rich historical backdrop of China, hinting at the complexities of the Chinese-Tartar relationship following the Ming dynasty's fall. It opens with the prefatory remarks highlighting China's national mourning and revolutionary fervor caused by Tartars' rule. As the act begins in the garden of the Nanking Palace, the workers discuss their lives while preparing for a grand festival tied to the Empress's official ascendancy. Amidst this, we meet various characters, including palace officials and ladies-in-waiting, all eagerly anticipating the forthcoming festivities and the personal dramas that will unfold as power dynamics shift within the court. Through a blend of conversations about love, politics, and social roles, the opening sets the stage for the tension and conflict that will characterize the Empress's reign.
Edouard Pailleron
The Art of Being Bored: A Comedy in Three Acts
"The Art of Being Bored: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Edouard Pailleron is a play written in the late 19th century. The story is set within the social circles of Parisian life, highlighting the interactions among characters who embody various societal roles and aspirations. The central characters include Paul and Jeanne, a newlywed couple navigating the complexities of social expectations and the artifice of high society. The beginning of the play introduces the audience to a drawing-room at Madame de Céran's château, where the dynamics of social interactions unfold. Paul, a sub-prefect, advises his wife Jeanne on how to comport herself in this influential circle, emphasizing the need for decorum and subtlety. As various guests arrive, including their host and a collection of socialites, themes of political ambition, societal expectations, and the struggle against ennui begin to emerge. The opening sets a humorous yet critical tone toward the superficiality of their interactions, suggesting that the art of being bored is a central concern of the characters' lives.
Tristan Bernard
French without a master : $b A farce in one act
"French without a master: A farce in one act" by Tristan Bernard is a comedic play written in the early 20th century. This work exemplifies Bernard's signature style, combining humor with social commentary, as it explores the amusing confusion resulting from language barriers in a hotel setting. It features characters from different backgrounds and highlights the whimsical situations and misunderstandings that arise in cross-cultural interactions. The play centers around Gerald Forsyth and Séraphine Chanoine-Malherbe, a young couple eloping in London. When Séraphine's father arrives at the hotel looking for his daughter, he encounters various misunderstandings exacerbated by the presence of a bumbling interpreter, Percy, who is supposed to assist him but does not speak French. As the story progresses, the situation becomes more chaotic, leading to humorous exchanges and mistaken identities until the truth is revealed. Ultimately, the farce captures the essence of miscommunication and the often comical nature of human relationships.
Néricault Destouches
The Triple Marriage
"The Triple Marriage" by Néricault Destouches is a theatrical play likely written during the early 18th century. This comedy explores the complications and intrigues that arise from romantic entanglements, specifically focusing on the lives of Mr. Matthews and his children as they navigate love and societal expectations. The play addresses themes such as familial duty, love against parental will, and the humorous mischief that ensues in pursuit of happiness. In the storyline, Mr. Matthews, a widower, is determined to secure marriages for his children Elizabeth and Walter but is unaware of their secret unions. Elizabeth is in love with Manly, and they have secretly married, while Walter is betrothed to Julia but faces pressure to marry the Countess. As they attempt to navigate their father's plans and societal expectations, they engage in playful deceptions and strategies to ensure they can be with their true loves. The chaotic interactions culminate in a masquerade ball where confessions and reconciliations occur, leading to a humorous resolution where both siblings find acceptance in their marriages while their father's own secret marriage is revealed. The light-hearted tone and comedic elements make this play an exploration of love's triumphs amid societal constraints.
Jean-François Regnard
The Follies of Love
"The Follies of Love" by Jean-François Regnard is a comedic play written in the late 17th century. This work falls within the genre of theatrical drama, a reflection of the era's exploration of human relationships, particularly those entangled with themes of love, jealousy, and foolishness. The central focus of the play revolves around the intricacies and absurdities of romantic entanglements, often revealing the follies that accompany love. The storyline unfolds in a country house, where the characters grapple with their feelings and relationships. Arabella seeks to escape the jealous clutches of her guardian, Albert, who is intent on marrying her despite her own affections for Worthy, who wishes to reclaim her love. As the plot progresses, Arabella's behavior spirals into madness, fueled by her frustrations with Albert's oppressive nature. The arrival of various supporting characters—including the witty maid Jenny and the cunning servant Scratch—complicates the dynamics, leading to comedic misunderstandings and schemes aimed at liberating Arabella from Albert's control. With themes of deception, wit, and the folly of possessive love, the play navigates the humorous chaos that ensues in the pursuit of romance and freedom.
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