Moliere - Man of Satire and Many Burials: Crash Course Theater #21

Summary

This episode of Crash Course Theater explores the rise of theater in Renaissance France, focusing on the architecture, actors, and cultural dynamics of the time. It delves into the creation of major French theaters, the development of comedy, and the role of influential figures like Molière. The script highlights Molière's innovative comedic works, especially his controversial play *Tartuffe*, which critiques societal hypocrisy. The video also touches on the tension between theater and the church, as well as Molière's tragic death and legacy. The episode offers an insightful look at French theater's evolution during the Renaissance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first French theaters were repurposed tennis courts, with the Hotel de Bourgogne becoming the first purpose-built theater in 1548.
• 😀 Early French theaters followed medieval styles, but later incorporated more elaborate Italianate designs by the 17th century.
• 😀 The government allowed theater companies to settle in Paris in 1629, with Molière's troupe becoming a major influence in the 1650s.
• 😀 French theater audiences were diverse, including nobles who sometimes sat right on stage, scandalizing the commoners in the pit.
• 😀 The status of actors was low, though they gained some royal support after Louis XIII’s 1641 proclamation that acted to improve their social standing.
• 😀 In the 17th century, French theater grew popular at court, with extravagant masques and royal entries sponsored by Louis XIV.
• 😀 Molière, born in 1622, started his career by running away from a royal position to become an actor and playwright, founding the Illustre Theatre.
• 😀 Molière’s early works mocked bourgeois French society, often through contemporary comedies with sharp wit and realism.
• 😀 His play *Tartuffe* was highly controversial, criticizing religious hypocrisy and leading to censorship and multiple revisions.
• 😀 Molière’s tragic death in 1673 occurred during a performance of *The Imaginary Invalid*, after which he was initially denied a Christian burial, though Louis XIV intervened.
• 😀 Molière's influence on French theater persisted after his death, with his troupe becoming part of the Comédie-Française, which continues to perform his plays today.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the early French theaters?

Early French theaters were repurposed from tennis courts. They were not initially designed for theater performances but were adapted to accommodate theatrical shows.

What was the significance of the Hotel de Bourgogne in the history of French theater?

The Hotel de Bourgogne was the first permanent theater in France, built in 1548 by the Confrérie de la Passion. It played a major role in the development of French theater and became a central location for theatrical performances, though the government outlawed mystery plays in the same year.

How did Molière's company gain recognition in Paris?

Molière's company, the Troupe de Monsieur, gained recognition in Paris in 1658 after performing for King Louis XIV, who was impressed and provided them with a prestigious theater at the Palais Royal.

What was the status of actors in 17th-century France?

Actors had a low social status, often facing skepticism and discrimination. They were sometimes denied basic rites like baptism, marriage, or burial by the church. However, King Louis XIII's proclamation in 1641 offered some protection to actors as long as they avoided immorality in their performances.

What was the role of women in early French theater?

Women were allowed to perform in French theater starting in 1607. However, their participation was limited and often involved wearing masks. Despite this, women became a part of professional theater companies during this period.

How did Molière challenge neoclassical theatrical rules?

Molière frequently defied neoclassical conventions, particularly in his comedies. He introduced contemporary themes, more relatable characters, and used humor to critique societal manners and morals, unlike the formal, rigid structures of neoclassical theater.

What was the controversy surrounding Molière’s play 'Tartuffe'?

'Tartuffe' was highly controversial, especially among religious leaders, as it mocked religious hypocrisy. The play was banned twice, and Molière had to revise it multiple times to make it less critical of the church before it was finally allowed to be performed.

Why did Molière's play 'Tartuffe' cause such an uproar among religious authorities?

Religious authorities believed that 'Tartuffe' was a direct attack on the church. The Archbishop of Paris even threatened excommunication for anyone who saw or read the play. The play's depiction of a pious con man was seen as an affront to the clergy.

What impact did Louis XIV have on Molière’s career?

Louis XIV supported Molière and his troupe throughout their career. The king granted them royal patronage, provided Molière with theater spaces, and even helped him during periods of crisis, such as when his play 'Tartuffe' was banned.

What was Molière's last play and how did he die?

Molière's last play was 'The Imaginary Invalid' (1673), in which he played a hypochondriac. He died shortly after a performance due to complications from tuberculosis, which he had been suffering from for years.