CHAPTER 29 – Modern “Cadets de Gascogne”

In Chapter 29 of “The Ways of Men,” titled “Modern ‘Cadets de Gascogne’,” the narrator and their companion, inspired by a prior enchanting performance by the Comedie Francaise in the antique theatre at Orange, eagerly seize another chance to immerse themselves in French cultural and literary heritage. This opportunity presents itself in the form of an adventurous journey with the “Cadets de Gascogne,” a group of passionate, southern-born young men whose lives revolve around the stage and the arts, reminiscent of the spirited band portrayed in Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac.”

The Cadets, modern-day devotees of Melpomene and aficionados of Gascony’s literary contribution, blend the merriment of historic camaraderie with the serious pursuit of literary excellence. Their excursions are depicted as lay pilgrimages to sites of literary and historic significance, embodying a mix of earnest artistic homage and lighthearted revelry, including performances, recitations, and the enjoyment of regional delicacies.

This particular journey leads the narrator, their companion, and the Cadets through the scenic Cevennes Mountains towards Languedoc, with a grand finale planned in the arena at Beziers for a performance of “DEJANIRE” by Louis Gallet and Saint-Saens. Along the way, from Carcassonne’s revived medieval splendor to the simple beauty of Ispanhac and the fervent artistry witnessed at St. Enimie, the travelers indulge in both the pleasures of nature and the camaraderie of shared literary and artistic endeavor.

Their passage is marked by a series of vibrant, communal experiences: lunches atop ancient keeps, impromptu recitations stirring local inhabitants, and riverside soirées under the moonlight, culminating in the artistic solidarity and revelry of a performance in Beziers. This performance, set against a backdrop of more than 10,000 spectators, melds the ancient drama of Dejanira and Hercules with the living landscape, reinforcing the Cadets’ commitment to reviving and celebrating French artistic and cultural traditions.

The chapter closes with a reflection on the Cadets’ mission to foster a deeper appreciation for France’s regional diversity and cultural heritage, aiming to decentralize art, revitalize the stage, and promote laughter and youthful spirit amidst life’s trials. Through their journey, the Cadets de Gascogne symbolize a bridge between France’s illustrious past and its living artistry, advocating for a vibrant, enduring cultural identity.