The imaginary invalid by Molière in Paris

Comédie-Française is the only national theatre company in France, and it’s considered one of the best in the world for the excellency of its productions and the high formation demanded to their actors.

Often, it’s believed that it was created by Molière but, although the playwright was closely related to the life of Comédie-Française, it was born seven years after his death. In 1680, by order of the King, the main theatre companies in Paris, the ones from the Guénégaud and Bourgogne hotels and the one formed years before by Molière himself, merged and became one. This new company came to have the exclusivity of the representation of all the plays in French in France. Its name would be chosen to differentiate itself from the Italian Comedy that, at that time, was playing in the French capital.

At the beginning, its repertoire was basically plays by Molière and Jean Racine, as well as some by Cornellie, Scarron and Rotrou. In the 19th century, it began to introduce plays by writers of the time, such as Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, until it reached the over 3000 classic plays that it has today. The classicism of its productions has been the key to keep its prestige down the years and differentiate itself from other private companies.

During its long history, it’s had various homes and today it has three theatres: Salle Richelieu, Théâtre Vieux-Colombier and Studio-Théâtre. Salle Richelieu will have its doors closed for the whole of 2012 due to refurbishment and its programme will be played at the nearby Théâtre Éphémère, located in the Royal Palace gardens.

From the 15th of January to the 24th of April, the Théâtre Éphémère presents ‘The imaginary invalid’ by Molière, the last play written by the author, considered one of his best creations. The story takes us to Paris in the late 17th century. A hypochondriac man, a selfish wife, a daughter in love who doesn’t want the marriage that her father tries to impose on her and the uselessness of medicine are the ingredients of this entertaining comedy.

You can buy the tickets on the Comédie-Française website http://www.comedie-francaise.fr/spectacle-comedie-francaise.php?spid=293&id=209 where you will find information on the rest of the programme, timetables and other useful details.

Around the theatre, there are places that are worth a visit, such as Place Colette, the Louvre Museum and the Royal Palace itself, so it’s a good idea to take a day to visit the area and end the day attending the play.

Address: Jardin du Palais Royal, 75001, Paris (Access by Place Colette)
Metro: Lines 1 and 7, stops Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre and Pyramides
Box office timetable: 11am-6pm, from Monday to Saturday.

Elena Alvarez

Don’t miss this excellent chance to spend an unforgettable evening in one of the best theatres in the world. If you book now one of our apartments in Paris you won’t have to worry about timetables and you will have complete freedom to enjoy the many cultural possibilities that the French capital has to offer.

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