Identity and Transformation in the Plays of Alexis Piron

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"Alexis Piron (1689-1773) was one of the most renowned humorists of eighteenth-century France, his rapier wit feared even by Voltaire. As a playwright, he was one of the most versatile of the period, writing for both the official French and Italian theatres and the unofficial troupes of the Parisian Fairs. Although, like those of most of his contemporaries, his plays have disappeared from the repertoire, La Metromanie, the comedy in which he brings to the stage his mockery of Voltaire, has always been known and enjoyed on the page. More recent interest in popular culture is leading to increased appreciation of his anarchic creations for the Fairs too, and he also wrote, in Gustave Wasa, one of the most popular tragedies of his time. Derek Connon examines the themes and dramatic techniques of the plays of this fascinating and entertaining author." About the Author Derek Connon is Professor of French at the University of Swansea. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Dedication Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction 1 A Comic Masterpiece: La Métromanie 2 A First Grande Comédie: L'École des pères 3 A Tragic Success: Gustave Wasa 4 The Other Tragedies: Callisthène and Fernand Cortès 5 A Double Bill: L'Amant mystérieux and Les Courses de Tempé 6 A Theatrical Debut: Arlequin-Deucalion 7 A Comedy for the Italians: Les Enfants de la Joie 8 Four Parodies: Colombine-Nitétis, Philomèle, Les Huit Mariannes, and Atis 9 The Opéras-Comiques: L'Antre de Trophonius, Tirésias, Le Mariage de Momus, L'Endriague, Le Claperman, Le Caprice, L'Âne d'or, Les Chimères, Le Fâcheux Veuvage, L'Enrôlement d'Arlequin, Crédit est mort, La Rose, and La Robe de dissension Conclusion Bibliography Index