CHAPTER 25 – La Comedie Francaise a Orange

Idle through the sun-kissed landscapes of southern France, we embarked on an unforeseen adventure upon learning that the Comedie Francaise actors were heading to Orange for a series of performances organized by Les Felibres, a society dedicated to classical arts and the preservation of Orange’s Roman theatre. Envisioning to revive the grandeur of classical drama, similar to Beyreuth’s ode to Wagner, the festival aimed to fund the restoration of this ancient marvel.

Our journey commenced in Lyon, transitioning from train to a flotilla along the Rhone, amidst a vibrant spectacle of boats and cheering crowds. The path was a picturesque journey through historical landmarks and towns, each contributing to the anticipation of the theatrical wonders that awaited at Orange.

The arrival in Orange was a culmination of excitement and cultural fervor, the town abuzz with the languages and songs of Provence, paying homage to Mistral and the classics. The ambition was lofty; to nurture a renaissance of classical drama in the valley where art once flourished.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we ascended the ancient steps of the theatre, its acoustics tested against the backdrop of a setting sun and the silhouettes of historical ruins. The anticipation was palpable, heightened by a brief threat of rain that, fortunately, passed, leaving behind a charged atmosphere for the night’s performances.

The events of the evening commenced with a tribute to Apollo, transitioning seamlessly into the spellbinding drama of “The Erynnyes,” an adaptation by Leconte de Lisle. The towering stage, alive with the shades of trees and ruins, set a dramatic scene. The audience was enraptured, the ancient walls echoing the powerful voices and emotions of the actors, who brought to life the timeless tragedies penned by Aeschylus.

As Clytemnestra, Madame Lerou, and Mounet-Sully, in the role of the king, delivered performances of such clarity and emotion, they affirmed the theatre’s unparalleled ability to amplify and enrich the spoken word. The night was a journey through heightened sensations, the tragedy of bloodlines and fates unwinding under the cloak of night, against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Roman theatre.

Leaving the theatre, the impression of the evening was indelible, a testament to the power of classical drama to transcend time, invoking a collective awe in its witness. The experience was a poignant reminder of the timeless allure and profound impact of the arts, an immortal thread weaving through the heart of civilization.