By: Molière (1622-1673)
Two Pastorals: an Heroic and a Comic by Molière is a delightful collection of plays that showcase the author's wit and talent for storytelling. The Heroic pastoral, with its themes of courage and honor, is a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The Comic pastoral, on the other hand, is a light-hearted and humorous play that provides a perfect balance to the more serious tone of the Heroic pastoral.
Molière's characters are well-developed and relatable, and his dialogue is sharp and witty. The plays are filled with clever wordplay and clever plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The author's keen observation of human nature shines through in both pastorals, making them a joy to read.
Overall, Two Pastorals: an Heroic and a Comic is a masterful work of literature that is sure to entertain and delight readers of all ages. Molière's unique blend of humor and drama makes this collection a must-read for fans of classic literature. Book Description: Moliere, on the way to the Ballet of the Muses, a court festival, started to write a new Heroic Pastoral. "He chose for his subject a similar one to the history of Florizel and Perdita in Shakespeare's Winter's Tale…. The charm of his writing, the exquisite delicacy of the sentiment, and the freshness of the pastoral scenes, cause us to regret that Moliere wrote only the first two acts of this play and never finished it." Though it was performed this way in Dec 1666 - so maybe there is enough here to enjoy.
The Pastoral Comedy which follows it was performed as part of the Ballet of the Muses in Jan 1667 - "most likely replaced the unfinished Melicerte". We only have a script for a number of the scenes; Moliere supposedly destroyed the rest.
- Summary by Translator and ToddHW
Cast list:
Melicerte, an Heroic Pastoral
Myrtil, in love with Melicerte: Adrian Stephens
Acanthe, in love with Daphne: Dale Burgess
Tyrene, in love with Eroxene: David Purdy
Lycarsis, herdsman, supposed father to Myrtil: ToddHW
Nicandre, shepherd: Alan Mapstone
Mopse, shepherd, supposed uncle to Melicerte: Andrew Gaunce
Melicerte, shepherdess: Availle
Daphne, shepherdess: Kathi M. Walsheck
Eroxene, shepherdess: Sonia
Corinne, confidante of Melicerte: WendyKatzHiller
Stage Directions: Kelly S. Taylor
A Comic Pastoral
Lycas, a rich shepherd in love with Iris: Adrian Stephens
Philene, a rich shepherd in love with Iris: Dale Burgess
Shepherd: David Purdy
Magician: Sonia
Three Magicians: Devorah Allen
Gypsy: Alan Mapstone
Stage Directions: ToddHW
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