Edmond Rostand would certainly appreciate the piece, which envisions him searching for the right vein to write his famous Cyrano of Bergerac.
• Also read: Pif-Luisant: Gabriel Sabourin’s homage to Edmond Rostand
Presented at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert, this creation by Gabriel Sabourin beautifully combines French language, emotion and humor and pays homage to this great French author and his masterpiece.
The dramatist, who also appears as a jealous servant in this production, had the flair to portray a Rostand, overwhelmed by failure, in his family’s country house at the end of the 19th century. So the one whose teenage nickname was “Pif-Luisant” is in love with a maid in love with a greenhorn who doesn’t have the words to win her over.
Cyrano full nose
The frame is largely based on that of Cyrano, but of course has its peculiarities. The cast of this show is impeccable. With finesse and sensitivity, Olivier Morin embodies a Rostand steeped in melancholy and fear of rejection. His father, played by Roger La Rue, is all about confidence. Élodie Grenier shines with the features of this young woman in love with words that are the object of all desires, while Marie-Hélène Thibault plays the wife of the jealous servant. Finally, Jean-François Pronovost slips into the skin of the passionate novice, but without stature, who falls in love with the young lady. Very overdone, his character might have benefited from being a little less cartoonish.
Rostand everything in verse
These actors deftly combine the comic and the tragic in this well constructed story by Gabriel Sabourin. The playwright had the brilliant idea of having Rostand speak in Alexandrians. The student may not have surpassed the master, but the catchphrases he has laid out are palatable and perfectly adhere to the identity of this author he admires. Well done.
Self-acceptance, being brave about one’s feelings, and being ruthless in love are at the heart of this winning proposal, where heart and mind compellingly intertwine.
Pif-Luisant will be presented at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert until April 15th.
- Pif Glossy ★★★★☆
A play by Gabriel Sabourin
With Élodie Grenier, Roger La Rue, Olivier Morin, Jean-François Pronovost, Gabriel Sabourin and Marie-Hélène Thibault