Cyrano de Bergerac Summer Reading Guide - English 10 Howdy, sophomores! Cyrano de Bergerac is a delightful French play by Edmond Rostand about a swashbuckling hero with a very large nose. It is one of my favorites! Read this entire guide before starting the play. The beginning can be tough to get through because there are many confusing names and characters, but stick with it and you won’t be disappointed! On the first day of class, there will be a Reading Quiz to test your knowledge of this guide and your comprehension of the play’s main events and characters. If you are in the honors section, you will also write a Timed Writing essay the first week of school. After school starts, we will analyze the play in class through discussions and various writing assignments. We will conclude the unit by watching a French film adaptation and comparing it to the play. By the way, my class is a No Spoiler Zone. This means that you may NOT spoil significant plot events to classmates who have not yet read the book. If you have questions about the reading this summer, please email me at clee@bcseagles.org. I’ll see you in the fall! - Mrs. Lee 1 Introduction Cyrano de Bergerac is a 5-act play by French dramatist and poet Edmond Rostand (1868-1918). Our class version was translated into English by Gertrude Hall. Since its 1897 Paris debut, the play has enjoyed numerous productions in multiple countries. Cultural & Historical Background By the end of the 1800s, industrialization was taking place in most of Europe, including France, and with it came a more scientific way of looking at things. Realism in literature and drama emphasizes objective documentation of everyday life, usually working-class life, and rejects idealization or glamor. This movement, particularly in France, developed into naturalism. Naturalism is similar to realism, but also stresses the governing of human life by natural laws. Naturalists argued that the theater should explain the scientific laws of human behavior. Amidst this social and psychological objectivity, Rostand’s new play about romantic heroes, beautiful maidens, sword fights, and the power of poetry and art seemed hopelessly old fashioned. Genre Although Cyrano de Bergerac was written during a period of Realism, it has many qualities that are common to the older genre of Romantic plays. Therefore, it is frequently classified as a Romantic work. Romantic literature often follows a romantic hero who embodies the code of chivalry. He is an idealized figure who is brave, honorable, and devoted to his beloved. Chivalry demands physical strength and prowess, but it also emphasizes intelligence, integrity, and artistic and literary proficiency. Cyrano serves as an example of the classic romantic hero. Production Before Cyrano de Bergerac was ever performed, the directors doubted the success of the play. They decided to slash the budget for sets and costumes, so Rostand had to pay for the lavish costumes himself. The star was Constant Coquelin, one of France’s leading actors. When asked to predict the play’s success, he could only shake his head and say, “Dark.” Rostand himself apologized to Coquelin. “I beg your forgiveness, my friend,” he pleaded. “Pardon me for having involved you in a disastrous adventure.” Therefore, when the curtain rose on Cyrano de Bergerac for the first time on December 28, 1897, expectations were low. 2 Reception To everyone’s surprise, Cyrano de Bergerac was a success. From the hero’s first majestic entrance to his last farewell, he transfixed viewers. The audience was still applauding thunderously, well after the curtain fell at the close of the play. One reason for the success of the play is its Romanticism. Cyrano de Bergerac’s emphasis on idealism and heroism was a stark contrast to the grimly realistic plays of its day, which often focused on modern society’s darkest problems. The swashbuckling Cyrano dueling his way across the stage with his sword and his verbal sharpness took Paris by storm. Audiences were able to retreat temporarily from the grim realities of life. Another reason for the play’s popularity is the cleverness of its writing. Rostand’s play includes witty poems, love letters, acerbic retorts and commentaries on a variety of subjects. Finally, Cyrano de Bergerac was successful because Cyrano is an extremely likeable character. Sometimes all bluster, sometimes sad and vulnerable, Cyrano bears the markings of a real human being. Although he possesses great gifts, he also carries a heavy burden that is as plain as the prominent nose on his face. His self-confidence is marred by his belief that his nose makes him unlovable. Cyrano is perhaps loved most for his panache, that is, his flair, individual sense of style, verve, or pizzazz. Throughout the years, it is Cyrano’s panache that has kept audiences and readers coming back. Setting Although first performed in the late 1800s, Cyrano de Bergerac is set in France during the years 1640 to 1655. At the time, France was fraught with political tension and in conflict with foreign enemies. The majority of Cyrano takes place in 1640, when Louis XIII sat on the throne, and Richelieu dominated the political landscape. Richelieu was a Roman Catholic cardinal and the chief minister and advisor to King Louis XIII. (De Guiche, the play’s villain, uses his connections with Richelieu to gain power.) 3 Themes Inner beauty vs. outer beauty Cyrano represents inner beauty, routinely demonstrating his wit, courage, and other virtues. Christian, exemplifies external beauty, having an attractive physical appearance but lacking the intelligence of Cyrano. Something to think about: Which type of beauty, inner or outer, is more valued in our culture? Which type of beauty is more important to you? Devotion, Deception, & Honor Cyrano examines the limits of devotion, the appropriateness of deception, and the meaning of honor. Something to think about: Is it ever okay to lie? How might being in love test honor and devotion? Hierarchy of French Titles Several of the characters in Cyrano de Bergerac are noblemen with titles that you might not be unfamiliar with. Here is a general list of some of the titles, ranked in order of importance. 1. Duc (Duke) 2. Marquis (Marquis) 3. Comte (Earl) 4. Vicomte (Viscount) 5. Baron (Baron) These titles are hereditary (passed down from generation to generation within a family). However, this hierarchy is not a guarantee of privilege or precedence. More important factors in determining a family's prestige were: how long a family had been noble into what other families did it marry what positions its members achieved and what offices they held what actions they performed Therefore, it is possible for a vicompte who has had the title in his family for 100 years to be more prestigious than a marquis who has had the title for only a decade. 4 Main Characters Cyrano de Bergerac—a poet, swordsman, playwright, musician, and soldier. He is unattractive because he has an unusually large nose. Intelligent, honorable, yet insecure, he is an outspoken and opinionated critic who makes many enemies. He is in love with his cousin, Roxane. Christian de Neuvillette—a young and handsome man, but he lacks wit. Christian is in love with Roxane, but struggles to find the words to woo her. Roxane—an exquisitely beautiful woman who is also highly intelligent, she is loved by three men. Roxane is Cyrano’s cousin; she has a soft spot for romance and poetry. Roxane is her nickname. Her full name is Magdeleine Robin. Compte de Guiche (Count)—an arrogant and dastardly nobleman. He is married, but wants to make Roxane his mistress. Ragueneau—a poetry-loving pastry chef. He gives away his finest pastries in exchange for poems. He is a friend of Cyrano. Le Bret—Cyrano’s closest friend and confidant; a fellow soldier. Other Characters Montfleury – a large, untalented actor who is despised by Cyrano Lignière—Christian’s friend; a poet and drunkard with many enemies Carbon de Castel-Jaloux –captain of the Gascony Cadets. He is a talented leader and good friend of Cyrano. Gascony Cadets—a company of soldiers from South France Viscount de Valvert (Viscount)—an arrogant nobleman who is set up by de Guiche to marry Roxane. He fights a duel with Cyrano. The Duenna—an older woman who accompanies Roxane and serves in a role similar to a chaperone or governess. She has a sweet tooth. 5 Summary of Act I Act I begins in the auditorium of the Hotel de Bourgogne in 1640. Lignière and Christian de Neuvillette, a handsome, aspiring Gascony Cadet, appear. As various guests arrive at the theater, Christian expresses his desire to know the name of the woman he loves. Meanwhile, Roxane appears alongside Comte de Guiche, and Christian is awestruck by her beauty. He learns that De Guiche, a married man, seeks to arrange a marriage between Roxane and his friend, the Viscount de Valvert, so that De Guiche can make her his mistress. Shortly thereafter, the play La Clorise begins. The actor Montfleury appears on the stage to perform the play La Clorise. He is heckled by Cyrano and eventually forced from the stage. Valvert then challenges Cyrano, and the two duel. Cyrano composes a ballad while he fights, and when he finishes, strikes Valvert. After the duel, Cyrano reveals to his friend Le Bret that he loves Roxane. Roxane’s Duenna arrives and explains that Roxane wishes to meet Cyrano at Ragueneau’s shop the following day. Cyrano’s elation is short-lived, as he learns that one hundred men seek Lignière’s life.
The Dramaturgy of Edmond Rostand. Patricia Ann Elliott Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses Graduate School 1968 The Dramaturgy of Edmond Rostand. Patricia Ann Elliott Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses Recommended Citation Elliott, Patricia Ann, "The Dramaturgy of Edmond Rostand." (1968). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 1483. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/1483 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact gradetd@lsu.edu. This dissertation has been microiilmed exactly as received 69-4466 ELLIOTT, Patricia Ann, 1937- THE DRAMATURGY OF EDMOND ROSTAND. [Portions of Text in French]. Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Ph.D., 1968 Language and Literature, modern University Microfilms, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan THE DRAMATURGY OF EDMOND ROSTAND A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy m The Department of Foreign Languages by Patricia Ann Elliott B.A., Catawba College, 1958 M.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1962 August, 1968 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to express my deep personal appreciation to Professor Elliott Dow Healy for his inspiration to me and guidance of my studies at Louisiana State University, and particularly for his direction of this dissertation. I am especially grateful to my parents for their encouragement throughout my studies.
DOSSIER PÉDAGOGIQUE saison 2017-2018 CYRANO DE BERGERAC DE EDMOND ROSTAND PAR JEAN LIERMIER anthéa, théâtre d’Antibes 260, avenue Jules Grec 06600 Antibes • 04 83 76 13 00 contact@anthea-antibes.fr • www.anthea-antibes.fr Cher.e enseignant.e, Vos élèves et vous-même assisterez dans quelques semaines à un spectacle à anthéa, théâtre d’Antibes. L'expérience qu'auront les élèves du spectacle dépendra, en partie, de la préparation qui en sera faite. Ce dossier pédagogique a pour objectif de vous aider à préparer les jeunes RECOMMANDATIONS spectateurs dans la découverte de l’œuvre en vous apportant des informations et des • Le spectacle débute à l’heure pistes pédagogiques exploitables en classe, précise. Il est donc impératif d’arriver en amont de la représentation. Ainsi, le spectacle pourra être pleinement vécu. au moins 30 minutes à l’avance, D’autres activités et pistes de travail vous les portes sont fermées dès le début permettront de prolonger l’expérience de du spectacle. Afi n de gagner du spectateur après que le rideau soit retombé. temps, les élèves doivent laisser Cela permettra aux élèves de faire un retour en leurs sacs dans l’établissement. classe sur leurs ressentis et leurs émotions. • Pendant la représentation, il est demandé aux enseignants de veiller à ce que les élèves Au plaisir de vous demeurent silencieux. Il est interdit accueillir à anthéa ! de manger et de boire dans la salle, de prendre des photos ou d’enregistrer. Les téléphones portables doivent être éteints. Toute sortie de la salle sera défi nitive. • Nous rappelons aux enseignants et accompagnateurs que les élèves restent sous leur entière responsabilité pendant toute la durée de leur présence à anthéa et nous vous remercions de bien vouloir faire preuve d’autorité si nécessaire.
The 1984-85 school year also marked the end of the de Lausanne International Ballet Competition; Jo two-year process of self-study required by the Yost, high school ballet student, received a contract Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for reaf¬ with American Ballet Theatre II and Tisha Roth, a firmation of accreditation. A Visiting Committee from drama senior, was awarded one of the Princess Grace the Commission on Colleges came to campus on April Foundation Scholarships, a prestigious national com¬ 28, 1985 to conduct its three-day visit to assess the petition. Of the current senior drama students, all but undergraduate programs and the new graduate pro¬ three have secured theatre and television jobs, in¬ gram in Design and Production. The Southern cluding Kevin Jackson who has been hired by the Association, while reaffirming and praising the qual¬ "Acting Company." Two recent graduates of the ity of NCSA arts training programs, made some useful School of Music made their professional debuts: recommendations. clarinetist Daniel McKelway at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and soprano Anne Wyche at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City. Since 1972, School of Drama alumni have appeared in more than 40 theatre productions, 15 Hollywood PERFORMANCE films and 25 television series. Patsy Pease has a regular role in "Days of our Lives," John Sanderford in "General Hospital,” and Matthew Ashford in "Search for Tomorrow.'' Bass-baritone John Cheek has Performance plays an essential role in the life of the appeared at the Metropolitan Opera every season school. This year more than 300 performances were since his 1977 debut and soprano Gianni Rolandi is presented to more than 62,000, in addition to the nor¬ a star of the New York City Opera.
Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand In A Nutshell Cyrano de Bergerac is a play about an eloquent, talented, and brave, but physically unappealing, man and his love for a beautiful woman, Roxane. Playwright Edmond Rostand wrote Cyrano de Bergerac as a comedy, and something of a satire of the overly romanticized literature of France in the 1600s (literature such as Alexandre Dumas’s The Three Musketeers, which was published in 1844). As such, you’ll find it chock-full of historical references to writers, royalty, philosophers, dramatists, and scientists of the time. Light-hearted in nature, this work is full of frivolous pomp and overblown dialogue. Adding to its showy, intentionally grandiose quality is the form of the prose: rhyming couplets of twelve syllables per line in the original French. The translated meter you often see in English is iambic pentameter, which, we all know, is a party waiting to happen. Published in French in 1897, Cyrano de Bergerac hit the stages of Paris to instant acclaim. Under the flourishes of renowned stage actor Constant Coquelin (to whom Rostand dedicated his play), Cyrano came to life. Basing his main character on a historical figure of the same name, Rostand accurately recounts much of the real Cyrano’s life – as told by Le Bret and a number of other biographers – in his beloved play. The real Cyrano de Bergerac was a French dramatist who lived from 1619-1655, which means Rostand got his dates correct in writing his play. De Bergerac really did fight at the Siege of Arras in 1640 and died in 1655.
THE NATIONA OPERA America presents CONVERSATIONS Sondra Radvanovsky In conversation with OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca L The National Opera Center March 3, 2016 | 7:00 p.m. OPERA AM ER CENTER ICA Soprano SONDRA Radvanovsky has performed in every RADVANOVSKY is a major opera house in the world, PAVEL ANTONOV PAVEL globally celebrated including the Royal Opera House, artist. The sincerity and Opéra national de Paris, Teatro alla intensity that she brings Scala and numerous others. Her home to the stage as one of theater is the Metropolitan Opera, the most prominent where she began her training in the late sopranos of her generation have won 1990s. After performances in smaller her accolades from critics and loyalty roles there, Radvanovsky caught the from passionate fans. attention of critics as Antonia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann and was singled out Though known as one of today’s as a soprano to watch. Her recordings premier Verdi sopranos, Radvanovsky include Verdi Arias and a CD of Verdi has recently expanded her repertoire opera scenes with her frequent artistic to include such bel canto roles as partner Dmitri Hvorostovsky. She also Norma and Donizetti’s “three queens,” stars in a Naxos DVD of Cyrano de the leading soprano parts in his Bergerac alongside Plácido Domingo Tudor dramas. In recent seasons, she and in transmissions of Il trovatore and has mastered the title roles in Anna Un ballo in maschera for the wildly Bolena and Maria Stuarda and the popular Met: Live in HD series. role of Queen Elizabeth in Roberto Devereux, and this season, in a feat never before undertaken by any singer in Metropolitan Opera history, Radvanovsky performs all three queens in a single season.
French 56 Teacher: Cathleen Cherry Core Text: Discovering French Rouge Time/Days: Daily Grade Level: 912
PRESCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT YEARATAGLANCE PACING GUIDE 200809 SCHOOL YEAR School: Prescott High School Course: French 56 Teacher: Cathleen Cherry Core Text: Discovering French Rouge Time/Days: daily Grade Level: 912 Time Segment Unit (Thematic Big Ideas/ Essential Standards Focus (notate as “P” for Assessments (Projects, Resources & Materials (9 Week Grading Topic or Subject) Questions (Put Power/Essential Power, “E” for Essential, & “N” for Tests, Presentations, Etc.) Needed NonEssential) Period Maximum) Standard into Qu estion Format for the Unit) All four Current events Current events Communication Read and discuss a news www.yahoo.fr or similar quarters, on Culture article or editorial from French news Wednesdays Connections the current week organization’s website Comparisons Communities st 1 quarter Reprise Describing the present Communication Weekly Quizzes for Discovering French (Review) Describing the past Culture leçons AC Reprise Referring to people, things, Connections Reprise Exam and places Comparisons Final Exam Communities st 1 quarter Unité 1: Au Describing people Communication Weekly Quizzes for Discovering French jour le jour Caring for one’s appearance Culture leçons 1.1& 1.2 Chapter 1 Describing the various aspects Connections Chapter 1 Exam of one’s daily routine Comparisons Final Exam Expressing how one feels and Communities inquiring about others st 1 quarter (may Unité 2: Helping around the house Communication Weekly Quizzes for Discovering French continue into 2nd Soyons
1 Education Resource Pack Adapted by Deborah Mcandrew from The
Northern Broadsides Education Resource Pack Adapted by Deborah McAndrew From the original play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand Directed by Conrad Nelson Designer - Lis Evans Lighting Designer - Daniella Beattie Musical Director – Rebekah Hughes Presented in partnership with The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-u-Lyme 1 About this pack We hope that teachers and students will enjoy our production and use this learning resource pack. It may be used in advance of seeing the performance – to prepare and inform students about the play; and afterwards – to respond to the play and explore in more depth. Teachers may select, from the broad range of material, which is most suitable for their students. The first section of this document is a detailed companion to our production: plot synopsis, who’s who in the play, and interviews with cast and creatives. It reveals the ways in which our company met with the many challenges of bringing CYRANO to the stage. The second section examines the background to the play. The original work by Edmond Rostand, and the real life Cyrano and his world; and the poetic content and context of the play. At the end of the second section are exercises and suggestions for study in the subjects of History, English and Drama. CYRANO by Deborah McAndrew, is published by Methuen and available to purchase from http://www.northern- broadsides.co.uk 2 CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 4 SECTION ONE Our play Characters 5 Plot synopsis Production Meet the team: In rehearsal – o Nose to nose with Christian Edwards o Eye to Eye with Francesca Mills A Stitch In Time – with the New Vic ‘Wardrobe’ Let there be light – with Daniella Beattie SECTION TWO Backstory Edmond Rostand The Real Cyrano Poet’s corner Verse and Cyrano SECTION THREE STUDY History, Literacy, Drama Credits and Links 40 3 INTRODUCTION The play CYRANO is a new English language adaptation of a French classic play by Edmond Rostand entitled Cyrano de Bergerac.
ROXANNE Is a 1987 American Romantic Comedy Film Starring Steve Camera Pan Martin and Daryl Hannah
SITES TO VISIT continued ROXANNE is a 1987 American romantic comedy film starring Steve Camera Pan Martin and Daryl Hannah. It is a Continue on Silica Street to the Hendryx modern retelling of the Cyrano de Street stairway. A camera was raised on a 150 foot aerial platform to pan the Bergerac play, adapted by Steve residential hillside and show Steve Martin Martin. ( as C. D.) as he sauntered along swinging his tennis racket. Take the stairway down to ROXANNE was filmed in the summer Baker Street and turn right one block to Cedar Street. of 1986 in Nelson, British Columbia. Steve Martin chose to use The Duel Steve Martin (as C. D.) walks down the the local fire hall on Ward Street as the sidewalk stairs to meet his adversaries by primary set as well as many other the cedar stump. The stump is sadly now local sites. gone. Dixie's (Jackson's Hole & Grill) ROXANNE received an 89% approval At the end of the block is Dixie's Cafe (now rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Jackson's Hole & Grill - 524 Vernon Street). All Ebert hailed interior filming was done on location. the film as a "gentle, whimsical comedy", giving it a 3 and half stars of Nelson four. It is still number #71 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies". Walking Tour This Walking Tour Map will lead you Map Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah through the picturesque streets of on location at Dixie's Cafe ( Jackson's Hole & Grill) Nelson to various film locations. Tour map produced by Touchstones Museum of Art & History 502 Vernon St., Nelson BC (250) 352-9813 www.touchstonesnelson.ca The Nightclub Walk a block down Ward Street to where Touchstones Nelson's side doorway was transformed into the nightclub entrance.
Cynthia Shaw, the Kresge Foundation 248.643.9630 Phone Cbshaw@Kresge.Org
CONTACTS: Cynthia Shaw, The Kresge Foundation 248.643.9630 Phone cbshaw@kresge.org Mira Burack, College for Creative Studies 313.664.7939 Phone mburack@collegeforcreativestudies.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE’S DAVID DICHIERA NAMED 2013 KRESGE EMINENT ARTIST DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 9, 2013 - Composer and operatic impresario David DiChiera – a champion of Detroit’s renaissance – has been named the 2013 Kresge Eminent Artist. The Kresge Eminent Artist award and $50,000 prize recognize DiChiera’s contributions as founder, music director, and general director of the Michigan Opera Theatre; his creativity and commitment to the community; and his efforts to build cultural bridges through the arts. A composer whose works include “Four Sonnets” (1965), “Cyrano” (2007) and the children’s opera “Rumpelstiltskin” (1973), DiChiera has presented opera, dance, and musical theater productions in Detroit and throughout Michigan for more than four decades. He has encouraged an appreciation for music and libretto in young people and adults, enriched the operatic repertoire by commissioning and premiering new productions and advanced the proposition that opera should reflect the community in which it is performed. DiChiera has opened the doors to new audiences and been a tirelessly effective force for community vitality, says Rip Rapson, president and CEO of The Kresge Foundation. “David is one of our community's most visionary leaders. He has nurtured an art form that combines music, dance, visual arts, and literature to tell stories of inspiration, power, and relevance – stories that bridge across eras and generations. He has contributed to the physical revitalization of our downtown cultural and entertainment district, re-energizing the landmark Music Hall theater and marshaling support for the opera house.
1989 Illinois Shakespeare Festival Program School of Theatre and Dance Illinois State University
Illinois State University ISU ReD: Research and eData Illinois Shakespeare Festival Fine Arts Summer 1989 1989 Illinois Shakespeare Festival Program School of Theatre and Dance Illinois State University Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/isf Part of the Theatre and Performance Studies Commons Recommended Citation School of Theatre and Dance, "1989 Illinois Shakespeare Festival Program" (1989). Illinois Shakespeare Festival. 8. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/isf/8 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Fine Arts at ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Illinois Shakespeare Festival by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact ISUReD@ilstu.edu. The 1989 Illinois Shakespeare I Illinois State University Illinois Shakespeare Festival Dear friends and patrons, Welcome to the twelfth annual Illinois Shakespeare Festival. In honor of his great contributions to the Festival, we dedicate this season to the memory of Douglas Harris, our friend, colleague and teacher. Douglas died in a plane crash in the fall of 1988 after having directed an immensely successful production of Richard III last summer. His contributions and inspiration will be missed by many of us, staff and audience alike. We look forward to the opportunity to share this season's wonderful plays, including our first non-Shakespeare play. For 1989 and 1990 we intend to experiment with performing classical Illinois State University plays in addition to Shakespeare that are suited to our acting company and to our theatre space. Office of the President We are excited about the experiment and will STATE OF ILLINOIS look forward to your responses.