Despite important historical figures in France in the 17th centurye Century, the piece The king dances spreads himself too thin to find recognition at the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier.
The production, adapted by Emmanuelle Jimenez from the film of the same name by Gérard Corbiau, presents Louis XIV, his mother Anne of Austria, the playwright Molière and the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully.
Unfortunately, in this production by Michel-Maxime Legault, none of the characters are developed enough to assert themselves and thus captivate the audience.
Lully is played with enthusiasm by Simon Landry-Désy and is the one who reveals himself the most. Ambitious and passionate, this humble Italian managed to win the favor of the French ruler through his talent and charisma.
Molière is rather reserved. Jean-François Nadeau interprets it brilliantly, but the famous playwright remains on the sidelines.
Mattis Savard-Verhoeven slips wonderfully into the skin of a determined Sun King who is sure of his authority but still locks him in isolation. He takes the reins of his kingdom after his mother, played by Marie-Thérèse Fortin, assumed power when he was a child.
Some tensions are interesting in this show.
First, the role of art in the political intentions of the man who remained on the throne for 72 years. Louis
This mother-son relationship is one of the main themes of the series.
Short debates
There is also a difference in the conception of art between Lully, who sees it as a way to create and convey beauty, and Molière, for whom it allows him to denounce injustices.
However, all these debates remain brief. Because the story spans several decades and is split between these four illustrious characters, the story rests on a rather thin layer of drama as the powerful moments are played out quickly.
Well-acted but diluted by an overly broad text, this piece fails to leave the same impression that the Sun King did during his reign.
♦ The king dances is presented at the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier until December 9th
The king dances ★★★☆☆
- A play adapted by Emmanuelle Jimenez and directed by Michel-Maxime Legault
- With Marie-Thérèse Fortin, Sharon Ibgui, Simon Landry-Désy, Jean-François Nadeau, Marcel Pomerlo and Mattis Savard-Verhoeven