«Molière’s Sleepless Nights» at the Âne Vert Théâtre in Fontainebleau

Le Saturday 31 October at 7.30 pm and the Sunday 1 November at 5.00 pm, l'Âne Vert Théâtre, 6 Rue des Sablons, gives «Molière’s Sleepless Nights» from Valérie Durin. «A lively and very funny dialogue,» wrote *La Montagne*.

Two characters, one night, one secret

The play is set in the final years of Madeleine Béjart and from Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. Madeleine, whom history has largely overlooked, as it has so many women, nevertheless played a leading role in the success of the Illustre Théâtre, the theatre company that premiered Molière’s plays.

As for Jean-Baptiste, who is married to Armande Béjart, officially Madeleine’s sister but in reality her daughter, is consumed by a fear that classical theatre would never have dared to portray during her lifetime: that Armande might be his own daughter. The subject matter is heavy, but the treatment is not, and that is where the play stands out.

A playwright specialising in historical drama, who has previously been a guest here

Valérie Durin writes historical plays, notably *Robespierre’s Protégé* and *The Corneille/Molière Arrangement*, which the Âne Vert had already staged in 2012. The direction and acting are provided by Michel Durantin and Valérie Durin themselves.

Getting there

Âne Vert Théâtre, 6 Rue des Sablons, Fontainebleau. The theatre has 74 seats, so it’s best to book in advance. Book tickets online at the Âne Vert Théâtre website, bookings on 09 83 09 97 39.