A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez
English translation by the author
14 to 17 actors or actresses
14 actors: 9M/5F, 8M/6F, 7M/7F, 6M/8F
15 actors: 10M/5F, 9M/6F, 8M/7F, 7M/8F, 6M/9F
16 actors: 11M/5F, 10M/6F, 9M/7F, 8M/8F, 7M/9F
17 actors: 11M/6F, 10M/7F, 9M/8F, 8M/9F, 7M/10F, 6M/11F
Mr. and Mrs. Camembert have just bought the dilapidated castle of Moulinrouge, and they have invited the local high society for a dinner concert. They hope this will gain them admission as members of the town’s highly exclusive Philanthropic Club. But soon, the pianist’s head appears floating in the pool. And to think we’re barely at the appetisers..
This text is available to read for free. However, an authorisation is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorisation to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM
| DOWNLOAD PDF FOR FREE |
|
|
The song from the play. Lyrics and music: Jean-Pierre Martinez
This song may be used as part of a stage production, upon simple request to the author and without any additional fees.
The audio file is available upon request, subject to prior authorization from the author for the use of the play’s text.
A Ferocious Satire of Social Distinction
In an attempt to secure a place in respectable local society, Roger and Brigitte Cassoulet, newly wealthy from the charcuterie business and the new owners of a ruined château, organise a drinks reception and concert for the leading citizens of Beaucon-les-deux-Châteaux. They hope to gain admission to an exclusive club and find a prestigious husband for their daughter. But the pianist is discovered decapitated in the swimming pool. Far from bringing the reception to an end, the murder becomes just one more incident in an evening during which everyone continues to pursue their own ambitions.
The play unfolds as a large-scale ensemble farce built on successive entrances, misunderstandings, mistaken identities and an escalating series of disasters. The police investigation is not really intended to sustain suspense: the crime functions above all as a revealing device. The more monstrous the situation becomes, the harder the guests try to preserve appearances and continue helping themselves to the buffet. The general breakdown therefore highlights the remarkable resilience of social ritual.
Beneath its exuberant burlesque, Apéro tragique à Beaucon-les-deux-Châteaux offers a ferocious satire of social distinction. The newly rich try to acquire the codes they lack, while impoverished aristocrats sell their name and their connections. Culture, philanthropy, religion, politics and even the police become little more than instruments serving prestige and private interests. Social barriers, supposedly impossible to cross, moreover disappear instantly in the presence of money.
The ruined château thus becomes the image of a social order whose façade remains standing even though everything behind it has collapsed. By pushing the conventions of boulevard comedy to the point of grotesque excess, the play depicts polite society as a theatre in which everyone performs their assigned role. Even murder is eventually absorbed into the festivities: in this world, what matters is not remaining innocent, but remaining at the table.