Charles a Duncombe

Beaumarchais's the Marriage of Figaro: a New Version in English Charles a Duncombe

Beaumarchais?s notorious comedy was the most scandalous play of the 18th century?and its most incredible theatrical success. In this new translation-adaptation by Frédérique Michel and Charles Duncombe, Beaumarchais?s clever servants outwit, manipulate, and ultimately humiliate their corrupt master, the Count Almaviva, exposing him for the fraud he is. So subversive was the play considered in its depiction of the ruling classes that during World War II, Vichy France would not allow it to be performed. Michel and Duncombe bring it to new and vigorous life: a witty, sexy, outrageous, and delightful attack on privilege and hypocrisy. ?A shrewd use of artifice as content distinguishes The Marriage of Figaro at City Garage, Frederíque Michel and Charles Duncombe?s new translation-adaptation of Pierre Beaumarchais? 1784 assault on the aristocracy, the source, of Mozart?s deathless opera, hits its marks from the opening prologue and continues thus thereafter?Michel and Duncombe knowingly use the lunatic convolutions of farce to strike more profound cultural targets?.adroitly articulate.? --?Critic?s Choice,? Los Angeles Times ?The style is the substance. The idiocy of so abusing the limited energy we?re given in one lifetime is a statement on the way we feel so obliged, if not honored, to be tethered to puppet strings?[this] new translation transfers the subtleties of French idiom very smoothly into English.? --?Go,? LA Weekly