The Rehearsal

The count has decided to present a performance of Marivaux's Double Inconstancy and has cast himself, his wife, his mistress and his wife's lover in the principal parts

As they wait for their rehearsal cues, the players drift imperceptibly into the cynicism of Marivaux's period. A pretty young girl who supervises twelve little orphans is the fatal lure to men

The count falls in love with her in a gesture of abandonment to his lost youth, whereupon the countess induces a family friend and roue to seduce the girl and destroy the count's dream of love..The roue is aroused to memories of his first and only true love and in despair he invites a duel and certain death. And the rehearsal goes on

"Anouilh has created one of his "pieces brillantes' in which he nimbly whips up serious themes into the lightest, most delectable of theatrical souffles" ~ London Daily Mail