Molière I Quelle Histoire - TV5 Monde

Summary

The script narrates the life of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known as Molière, a playwright, actor, and director during the reign of Louis XIV. Born into a bourgeois family, he was destined to follow his father's footsteps as a royal upholsterer but chose the stage instead. After founding his own theater troupe and touring France, Molière gained royal patronage and became renowned for his satirical comedies that critiqued societal norms. Despite facing censorship and controversy, he continued to challenge the status quo with plays like 'Tartuffe.' Molière's legacy endures, with his final performance ending in his untimely death after a heart attack on stage.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was a playwright, actor, and director during the reign of King Louis XIV, known as the Grand Siècle.
• 🏠 He was born into a bourgeois family in 1622, with his father being a tapestry maker for the king.
• 🎓 Molière received a solid education at the Collège de Clermont, studying mathematics, philosophy, and Greek tragedies.
• 🤹‍♂️ In his youth, he was drawn to the performing arts, particularly the fairs where acrobats and performers entertained.
• 🎭 He founded the Illustre Théâtre troupe and adopted the stage name 'Molière,' though the meaning behind it remains unknown.
• 💸 Financial struggles were common for Molière and his troupe, even leading to a brief imprisonment.
• 🛤️ After facing difficulties in Paris, Molière and his troupe toured the provinces, performing both classical works and his own comedic plays.
• 🤝 Molière found a patron in Prince de Conti, who provided financial support and protection for his troupe.
• 👑 Returning to Paris, Molière gained the protection of Philippe d'Orléans and performed before King Louis XIV, leading to royal patronage.
• 😄 Molière's comedies, such as 'Les Précieuses Ridicules' and 'L'École des Femmes,' used humor to satirize societal norms and were controversial at the time.
• 🎭 Despite his royal support, Molière faced censorship and criticism for his provocative works, including 'Tartuffe' and 'Don Juan'.
• 💔 Molière's final performance was in his own play 'Le Malade Imaginaire,' where he played the lead role and collapsed on stage, dying shortly after.

Q & A

Who is Molière, and what was his real name?

Molière was a French playwright, actor, and director whose real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. He was born in 1622 and is known for his significant contributions to the theater during the reign of King Louis XIV.

What was Molière's father's profession?

Molière's father was a tapestry maker for the king.

Where did Jean-Baptiste Poquelin receive his education?

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin received his education at the Collège de Clermont, which is now known as Louis-le-Grand in Paris.

What was the name of the theater troupe that Molière founded?

Molière founded the theater troupe called 'L'Illustre Théâtre'.

Why did Molière choose the stage name 'Molière'?

The meaning behind the stage name 'Molière' is unknown, as no one has ever known what it meant.

What challenges did Molière face in his early career?

Molière faced serious financial problems, even spending some days in prison. His father eventually helped him to be released.

Where did Molière perform during his provincial tour?

During his provincial tour, Molière performed in cities such as Grenoble, Lyon, Nantes, and Bordeaux.

What type of plays did Molière write during his provincial tour?

Molière wrote both classical plays and his own farces, such as 'Le Médecin Volant' or 'La Jalousie du Barbouillé'.

Who was the first important protector of Molière's troupe?

The first important protector of Molière's troupe was the Prince de Conti, who became impressed after watching one of their performances.

What play did Molière perform when he returned to Paris and was invited to perform for the king?

When Molière returned to Paris, he initially performed a tragedy by Corneille, but when the audience became bored, he switched to performing his own farce, 'Le Docteur Amoureux'.

What was the significance of Molière's play 'Les Précieuses Ridicules'?

'Les Précieuses Ridicules' was a satirical comedy where Molière used laughter as a weapon to denounce the vices of his time.

What controversy did Molière's play 'Tartuffe' cause?

Molière's play 'Tartuffe' was initially judged as shocking and was banned. It was later revised and authorized in 1669 after King Louis XIV defended it.

How did Molière's life end?

Molière died on February 17, 1673, after performing his role in 'Le Malade Imaginaire'. He collapsed on stage during the performance and did not recover, passing away a few hours later.