Two Pastorals- an Heroic and a Comic

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of Molière as we explore his unfinished Heroic Pastoral, inspired by the enchanting tale of Florizel and Perdita from Shakespeares Winter’s Tale. Though Molière only completed the first two acts, the charm of his writing, the delicate sentiment, and the vibrant pastoral scenes leave us yearning for more. This piece was performed in December 1666, offering a delightful glimpse into Molières creative genius. Following this, we present a lively Comic Pastoral, performed as part of the Ballet of the Muses in January 1667, which likely replaced the incomplete Melicerte. While only fragments of the script remain—allegedly destroyed by Molière himself—the wit and whimsy of the characters promise an enjoyable experience. - Summary by Translator and ToddHW