Alumni dance: Sarah Mendoza dances in “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme”

Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme

Here is a monument, which celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2020, and whose power remains intact: thanks to Molière's skillful writing, we still hang on every word spoken by this bourgeois character. Denis Podalydès takes on this classic and offers a production full of humor and lightness, perfectly in keeping with Molière's text and devastating wit.

In Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, Molière paints a portrait of an adventurer of the mind whose only desire is to escape his commoner status and gain access to a terra incognita that is forbidden to him by birth. Why mock Monsieur Jourdain? The bourgeois simply prides himself on discovering what we now call “culture” and sets about the vast task of bringing his dreams to life... And what does it matter if these dreams are those of a ridiculous man? By choosing to restore the play to its original form as a comedy-ballet set to music by Lully, Denis Podalydès brings together all the arts. With this theatrical celebration, costumed by Christian Lacroix, he aims for the apotheosis of the senses so longed for by his hero. Of course, the point is to laugh at the comedy. But how can we not feel tenderness for this man without qualities who tries to single-handedly initiate the first cultural revolution? After a thousand comical adventures, Monsieur Jourdain is elevated to the rank of “Mamamouchi” and experiences his moment of glory in music and dance, sick of his bourgeoisie, an imaginary gentleman, both fulfilled and defeated, duped and triumphant, in that rare theatrical moment when ridicule gives way to pure wonder.

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Thursday, February 12 to Sunday, February 22, 2026

Royal Opera House - Palace of Versailles - 3 place Léon Gambetta 78000 Versailles

From €45

3 hours 30 minutes with intermission

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