The introduction sign two specialists questioned not poorly received ideas

For the Pléiade, the reissue of the complete works of Molière (1622-1673) is a major event that the prestigious collection of editions Gallimard accompanies logically a collector's album. A further landmark initiative that it is not just to refresh some annotations or comments. The new edition is a real prospect of the work of the greatest French dramatic author rehabilitation, orchestrated with talent and wisdom by Georges forest, with the complicity of Claude Bourqui.

The introduction sign two specialists questioned not poorly received ideas. Exit the romantic visions of tormented artist, building his comedies from his anxieties: fear of adultery (on the part of his young wife), disease (eventually the overcome in surging). Molière is interested in women, if that reflect on their status is in the air of the time. And if it is frequently a fate physicians in his plays, it is because it is a way hijacked, "allegorical", mobbed the religion after the censorship of "Tartuffe"...

Forest and Bourqui we provide a dynamic and living artist portrait: Molière found success, because he took his time to Stigmata, married the enthusiasm of the "galant world", using the best weapon to celebrate: laughter. Laughter to make a mockery of the "unfortunate", pisse-froid, pedantic, religiously, enemy of thought new Laughter also to practice a bit of mockery, welcomed by a broad social of mind. Molière recognizes himself in this current progressive, which cultivates the fantasy, the refinement, advocates modesty and moderation.

The aristocrats and bourgeois lit Theatre glee to see their friendly society thus represented with acuity and humor. This complicity with the public, Molière deepens it by the game he produced on stage: live, inspired by the commedia dell'arte, parodying the ridiculous behaviour of his contemporaries with happiness. Accomplices spectators see their world discuss happily on stage, as they had never seen him before. The protection of the King, from rein in his talent, inspired Molière of major and original works, as these comedies "mixed music" that combine with brio Theatre, dance and song ("Le Malade imaginaire", "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme").

If Molière creates his pieces spontaneously, without other codes than those of the "galant world" to which it adheres, this does not preclude marking his beliefs: a skepticism and materialism more and more asserted. Humorist and philosopher, Molière will combine satirical of Terence and Plautus whimsical verve - like engineering the will highlight the fountain in a beautiful epitaph - and invented the modern comedy, which moves us and we made laugh today.

The other element marking of this new edition is the order of presentation of the works. Georges Forestier preferred to follow the editorial, of creations the chronology. Because parts of Molière often notoriously changed between the first representation and their publication (this is the case of Tartuffe). Complete works and return at the end of the second volume two - alleged - first small comedy "The jealousy of the today" and "Physician flying" remained unpublished until the 19th century; and open the "Les Précieuses." With respect to the "Molière" album, this is a nice book of images collected and annotated with elegance by François Rey A key, an erudite and varied, illustrations and concise bio alternating portraits of the master, tables and drawings representing the Paris of the time, and a selection of photos of staged historical of his plays.