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Black Republic of Letters

Note - Alfred Duru

Alfred Duru (1829-1889) was a French playwright and librettist. Learn more about Alfred Duru.

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The Theatre
At the Folies-Dramatiques
A reprise of Gillette de Narbonne, comic-opera in three acts, by Messrs. Henri Chivot and Alfred Duru, music by Edmond Audran. The poem is based on a story that has stood the test of time. It is based on a novella by Bocaccio (The Courageous Woman), which Shakespeare happened to like and turned into All's Well That Ends Well. Here is a summary of the subject of the play:

Gillette de Narbonne, the daughter of a learned physician from Provence, saved the life of the good king René, with the use of a secret remedy known to her. The king, overwhelming with gratitude, swore that he would grant her whatever favour she asked of him. Gillette asked for the hand of Count Roger Lignolles, who had been flirting with her. The count dares not disobey, but as soon as the ceremony is over, he disappears after telling Gillelle he will not recognize her as his wife unless she gives him a legitimate child and of the diamond ring he wears on his finger... that is to say, when pigs fly. Gillette does not admit defeat; she follows the French army to Naples, dressed as a horseman and pretending to be his own brother, catches Count Roger in the act of a romantic affair and takes the place of his new mistress. The jig is up. At the end, she presents the count with a beautiful baby and returns the ring he gave her during a night of love. The count complies willingly.

The score is written with the melodic verve and orchestral finesse that Edmond Audran is known for. It is no La Mascotte, but it does contain a number of interesting and distinguished morsels.

As for the performance, let us mention Mrs. Zélo-Duran, who was well received in the lead role, originated in 1882 by Mrs. Montbazon, and who lacks neither charm nor experience. Some find, however, that she lacks that indefinable something called Parisian taste, which will return to her once she has lost the memory of her long service abroad.

Mr. Huguet is mediocre in the role of Count Roger. He has been criticized for his sudden outbursts of loudness.

Mr. Germain had the audience crying with laughter in the role of the tutor, originated by Mr. Manjé.

As for Mr. Charles Lamy, he is no doubt the best tenorino who can be heard in the operetta theatres.

In short, the Folies-Dramatiques has rediscovered its winning streak.
At the Gymnase
The 150th showing of Paris fin de siècle took place yesterday. Today will be the first showing of L'Art de Tromper les Femmes.
At the Opéra-Comique
Saturday the 5th. Premiere of Colombine, a comic opera in one act by Messrs. Sarlin and Gustave Michiels.

Colombine is courted by Arlequin and by Pierrot. Her father, Cassandre, watches over her closely; but you can't shut the door on love. The two rivals agree that Colombine alone will decide, and the spurned lover will work toward his rival's triumph. Arlequin is preferred. Pierrot forces Cassandre to consent to the marriage with blows from his stick.

You're probably thinking that there isn't a shred of substance here. And you're right. So Mr. Michiels filled the void with lots of music, and since he couldn't put too much in, he repeated the motifs and verses ad nauseam.

However, the score is neither lacking in skill nor elegance. Of particular note are Cassandre's delightful verses, a duet between Arlequin and Colombine, and Pierrot's drinking song, which earned an encore. The composer knows his craft well, and there are more ideas in his instrumentation than in his melody.

Moreover, Messrs. Fugère and Grivot, Mme. Molé, and Mlle. Auguez, brilliant performers, valiantly defended the work.
Reopening at the Nouveau Cirque
October 1st, with a reprise of La Noce de Chocolat, a hilarious fantasy in which the most vertiginous traditions of the most epic clowns are put to task.

Some first-rate acts were featured in the program: The fixed bars, which are performed with the utmost originality. The Icarian Games, in which a sturdy young woman displays surprising strength. Finally, and most importantly, the haute école exercises by the Baroness of Rahden, a centauress who has arrived from Russia, preceded by a colossal reputation as a horsewoman and duellist.

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Alfred Duru