Cyrano de Bergerac Edmond Rostand
Cyrano de Bergerac as Romantic Play Cyrano is referred to as a Romantic play - Romance – as a medieval tale – was a French literary form Tales concerned daring deeds of knights and the relationship of the knights to their ladies Roman de la Rose and Chanson de Roland: tale in which the chevalier servant loved his lady from a far and wrote her poetry Heroes were brave, noble, steadfast – their word is their bond
Cyrano de Bergerac as Romanticism Romantic period in Europe vaguely began in the late 18th century and ended in middle of the 19th century. Victor Hugo’s preface in Cromwell states that although the classic plays were beautiful, they no longer expressed the taste and needs in the theatre – too many limitations - “The Battle of Hernani” The Romantics freed the French drama from the two unities of time and place
Cyrano de Bergerac as Romanticism Term romantic in English criticism most often refers to the treatment of a theme. Romantic treatments are sometimes sentimental, idealistic rather than realistic A reaction to the restrained neoclassical attitude of reason, order and balance Written in 1897 many believed Cyrano to be the revival of Romanticism Cyrano is celebrated for its idealism
Cyrano de Bergerac the historical character Born Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac in 1616 – big nose and all… From prominent – not noble – family Wrote poetry, political pamphlets, some plays – Moliere did in fact use two scenes written by Cyrano! His high courage and equally high spirit made him many enemies and gained him a reputation as a romantic hero
Cyrano de Bergerac A Romantic Comedy Complexity of plot Contains elements of satire Unlikely hero triumphs because of his defects Mimics bourgeoisie manners Trivialized cult of appearances - dandy Extensive monologues using subtle wit, alliteration, and double entendres
Cyrano de Bergerac about the play Edmond Rostand first presented Cyrano in 1897 Vaguely follows Aristotle’s unities One basic geographic location One main character- the remainder of characters are merely “bit actors” Play within a play Hugely successful – presented for 500 consecutive performances Still performed today all around the world – SCR performance last Spring – A virtuoso play - Coquelin
Cyrano de Bergerac about the play Cyrano de Bergerac – our hero Roxanne his precieuse – a person of highly affected language manners and dress – appearance was of utmost importance Christian de Neuvillette – good looking soldier Compte de Guiche – the villain Ragueneau – poet, baker friend of Cyrano
Cyrano de Bergerac Ligniere – drunk singer of satiric songs Valvert – a dandy friend of de Guiche Montfluerry – a horrible actor And many, many, more…..