Moliere House of Monkeys
Read the opening scenes of “House of Monkeys” by clicking the “Moliere Play” tab above. Oh, there is a “comment” bubble just waiting for your input.
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“LIKE” “LOVE” Origin of LIKEMiddle English, alteration of ilich, from Old English gelīc like, alike, from ge-, associative prefix + līc body; akin to Old High German gilīh like, alike, Lithuanian lygus like — more at co- |
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A scandal in common for Moliere and Woody Allen
Besides sharing a comic genious…What else?
It was 20 years ago that Woody Allen was accused of having sexual relations with his adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn. What would play out in the media would shock the world and go down in history as one of the biggest celebrity scandals of all time.” The odds were against
a relationship between a 56-year-old man and the 21-year-old daughter of his longtime girlfriend surviving. But lo and behold, Woody and Soon-Yi are still together after two decades.
On January 23 of 1662 Moliere at the age of 40 married Armande Bejart age 24 at the house of his life long friend with possible benefits, Madeliene Bejart. It was an event that generated scandalized uproar throughout Parisian society (for it was widely rumored that Molière was Armande’s father).
“Armande’s parentage is doubtful: Was she the daughter of Joseph Béjart, an improvident jack-of-all-trades, and his wife, Marie, or was she an illegitimate child of Madeleine’s, and the subject of a cover-up, in which case her father could have been Molière or another of Madeleine’s lovers, a certain Comte de Modène? At the time of the marriage, Molière’s enemies, of whom there were many, since by then he was famous at court and had Louis XIV as his patron, did not hesitate to accuse him of incest.” N.Y. Books
The accusations grew out of the storm surrounding the fate of his satirical play of religious hypocrisy “Tartuffe”, and the rumors of incest served as fresh fuel for the fire. Moliere never addressed the controversy in public except through hints and rhymes of his plays.
House of Monkeys
The question arises in a scene set on the stage of his locked theatre in “House of Monkeys”:
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Madeleine What of the gossip? The stories about? Moliere No answer can untie a thrice told lie. Armande Dear sister, come, take my hand (The sound of laughter and voices are heard as the company arrives with food, drink, |
Doubts are more cruel than the worst of truths. #Moliere
Who is buried in Moliere’s tomb?
Of course, the answer should be obvious. 
It is a “trick question” much like the one American school children have asked for years: “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?”, to which the obvious, but often overlooked answer is, “Grant” .
In the case of Moliere the the question is a double or even triple trick, for the obvious answer to the question should be: “Moliere”. However, this answer may not be true at all. No conclusive evidence can confirm that the remains of the famous French playwright are held in Paris’s Père Lachaise cemetery. Moliere’s grave may be at work to continue the farcical, ironic, and satirical spirit of Moliere to the thousands who look upon the tomb and lay a wreath on the resting place of bones extracted from some unfortunate victim of a still birth or suicide. Somewhere in the comic mist and muse the Playwright looks down with the thought, “He who laughs last, laughs best”.
| Moliere has been as subject to controversy, heresy, and political obfuscation in death as in life. Molière, the shape-shifter extraordinaire of the seventeenth century had become by the late eighteenth century an icon of tremendous political value, as has Camus in our own day. Politicians will always need writers more than writers need politicians, which may go a long way in explaining the motives of both members of revolutions and presidents of republics. And as for the whereabouts of the “august debris” of the illustrious playwright? Lodged quite nicely, thank you, in Paris’s Père Lachaise cemetery. At least for the time being. Humanities |
The “Humanities” article seems to speak with confidence that the “august debris” of Moliere lie beneath the concrete block, but with little reason. The death of Moliere and controversy of his funeral arrangements were riddled with scandal, confusion, and even riots in the streets.
The “august debris” of Moliere that were thought to be Moliere when the body was exhumed, stored, and carted about Paris after the French Revolution before being interred at Pere Lachaise, may have been some other bones all together.
| The scandal raised by Moliere unburied was as nothing, however, compared with the scandal that grew upon is tomb. An obstinate tradition, supported by the memory of an aged sexton, affirms that Moliere was not buried, as the correspondent of the Abbe Boyvin affirmed “at the foot of the cross,” but a more remote portion of the cemetrary – in other words, in the portion reserved for suicides, stillbirths, ans other poor bodies who had lost or never found their souls”. “Moliere” John Palmer 1970 |
The final scene
In the final scene of “House of Monkeys” the three monkeys search for the grave of Moliere:
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Copyright 2012 by Dennis Kern – House of Monkeys (Bells toll as the light of three lanterns appear in the dark. As the light fades up we see Monkey 1 Where is the plot that ends this play? Monkey 2 Wait. Look here is another inscription. (reading) Monkey 3 But which is true? How do we end? Monkey 1 Do you not see it? Standing on the grave Monkey 2 Looking for a body of all things Monkey 3 Moliere will not be found in a grave Monkey 1, 2. & 3 HA HA – HO HO – HEE HEE (The cast begins to come on stage for the curtain call) Monkey 2 All players come take a bow Monkey 1 Just as so many others have shared (After the Monkeys take a bow. They retreat to back stage and assume their places on the |
Premier House of Monkeys!
Learn more on the “House of Monkeys” web site
“Moliere” a funny way to choose a stage name
Jean Poquelin IV chose a stage name, which was a common practice. He chose “Moliere” and no one knows why, but probably to spare his father the embarrassment of having an actor in the family?
The word “mulier” is suggested to be a possible etymology of Moliere, but why would Moliere evolve the word into his stage name? “Mulier” comes from Latin meaning “woman”"
A problem for a scholar is often a gift to a playwright. When no valid or studied reason for the choice of the stage name “Moliere” can be offered in research, the door to the imagination flings open 
What follows is the scene from “House of Monkeys” in which the document bearing the name Moliere is presented and explained.
Madaliene’s Mother is highly skeptical of this Jean Polquelin’s interest in her daughter, and means to end the affair which threatens to upend her family.
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Mother Bejart Oh, I know a bird when it is a crow. Madeleine The nose on your face, Mother, if you please, Moliere Lest we juxtapose the parts of the face Mother Bejart What is this paper of so much adieu? Moliere My release of duties as Tapissier du roi. Mother Begart What? Let me see the words struck here Moliere Jean and Moliere are now one in the same Madeleine Now, dear Mother are you satisfied at that? Mother Bejart Well… I… come here dear son Moliere! Madeleine Oh there are such things only lovers may know Mother Bejart Well said…. Moliere …and on that note, we leave this score |
Premier House of Monkeys!
Learn more on the “House of Monkeys” web site
The Arrest of Moliere
The arrest is under duress from beneath a dress
Just one year after Moliere launched his first theatrical adventure, The Illustrious Theatre, he was arrested for non-payment of debt at the ripe age of 21 in 1643.
The charges are read in the play “House of Monkeys”:
| The Illustrious Theatre is owing Sieur Baulot 600 livres And 1,100 more for draping, and other debt listed here. You being the signer of all libel in this matter before us today Shall be locked up as the debtors demand, or until you pay. (Moliere is lead off by the Ballif) |
His arrest and the debt facing him served as a basis for the disappearance and the “missing years” of the Playwright in the 2007 film “Moliere”. In fact he spent very little, if any time, locked up in the confines of the Newgate of Paris, the Chatelet. No one knows the specifics or the “when, where, or how” of actual arrest of Moliere, but what follows is the scene from “House of Monkeys” – one of the most hilarious “comic tricks” of play.
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(Enter Madeleine)
This is the final curtain, and you should know (Enter Moliere) (Long pause as Moliere takes in the grim and fearful faces staring at him) To look at your faces, this is not your best day. Madeleine But look, an officer approaches the door! Moliere You know a trick that I might vanish in air? Madeleine Yes. An old comic trick. Hide you here under my skirts Monsieur Loyal Loyal’s my name; I come from Normandy, Moliere I remember this man, things are all turned outwards, Monsieur Loyal Did you say something Madame, you speech was not clear Madeleine Yes, well, you see I have this tickle and cough today Monsieur Loyal Ah, sounds quite serious, but as to why I am here Monsieur Loyal Has your tickle of throat effected legs as well? Madeleine What? Yes! Oh, yes. Seems it has caused my thighs to swell. Monsieur Loyal So happens my father held that degree Madeleine My foot? Well, what good luck for me . Monsieur Loyal Oh my. Oh dear. Madeleine ….it is much larger then last I looked there Madeleine Ah! Eeek! Come out all of you. My garters and stars! Monsieur Loyal I must say in all my life, this is a first Moliere It is your duty. I will follow. Lead the way. Madeleine One kiss, if that is not so much delay |
Premier House of Monkeys!
Learn more on the “House of Monkeys” web site
Oyez, oyez, oyez
Off the streets to the stage. Impromptu MOLIERE
The performance of Moliere’s Impromptu of Versaille marks a little 
known but revolutionary moment in theatre history and the life of Moliere. For years the craft of improvisation was relegated to the streets and markets in the long tradition of the Commedia del Arte.
Then one day, Moliere’s company is called before the King and improvisation is brought on to the stage! The actors appear to be disinterested and unrehearsed in their parts. In fact, it is a set up. The actors have a script, which you can read Here. Moliere has created a performance taking place in the present reality, and in this moment we find Moliere’s company of actors living out the nightmare of finding themselves on stage without rehearsal or having learned their lines.
Moliere employs this shift of reality to expose and chide his detractors of the rival company of the Hotel de Bourgogne, the fat tragedian Montfleury and his hirling De Vise, who have accused him of marrying his own daughter.
In “House of Monkeys” the Impromptu is taken a step further as the scene becomes a play within a play, within a play. The Impromptu is performed as an argument of defense. A Monkey Trial has been convened to expose the arguments and accusations of the rival companies. The music of Bill Neil adds a “courtly” elegance to the proceedings as the words are sung in the style of an operetta
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Copyright 2012 by Dennis Kern – House of Monkeys Monkey King (To Montflery and De Vise) If matters are so well in hand as you say, Montfleury With your influence and help; a righteous battle is won. Monkey King Your righteous, holy leanings are taken in view Monkey 1, 2, & 3 Holy Angels and by golly Monkey 3 Light the cannon, stir the flame Monkey 2 Fire at the count of three Monkey 3 Expose the hidden treachery! Monkey King What can be new in the act of war Monkey 2 So fire a load and we will see Monkey 3 Since the age of Zeus or Apollo Monkey 1 So, here it is, come what may Monkey 2 Now, let the accused have their say Monkey 3 With rebuttal in form of a play. Moliere In answer to the gossip here floating about like fluff Moliere (Calling the company to the stage) Come, ladies and gentlemen, why the delay? Brecourt What? Moliere La Grange ! La Grange What is it? Moliere Du Croisy! Du Croisy You call? Moliere Come now All. All of you. All! Brecourt We do not know our parts. What would you have us do? Moliere Oh, what an awkward team to drive you actors can be ! Madame Du Prac What is your idea? Madam Moliere (Armande) What is to be done? Madeleine Well, here we are. You see? Moliere Since we are dressed, pray, let us take our positions; La Grange How are we to play what we do not know? Du Prac As for my part, I declare that I do not remember a line. Brecourt I am sure I shall have to be prompted most all the time. Mother Bejart And I just mean to hold my script in my hand. Madame Moliere So do I. Madeleine It seems, you’ve no fear of tripping on words, pray why? Moliere Ah, nothing to fear you say? To excite laughter in those who command respect? La Grange What is your tact, to make good points to the King? Moliere We have no time now to… Madame Moliere (Armande) Just a word or two ! Moliere Well, I have in mind a mimicry we could do. Madame Moliere (Armande) Oh, how they hate me. You’ve heard the nasty things they say. Moliere Shhh. Please we’ve no more time for that. Please, listen I pray? Brecourt Ah. Now I see that this is where we the fun begins. Tell us what we do. Moliere We answer, “Our King, by Jove full and fat” Madame Bejart Of course, we describe Monfleury in that. Montfleury I object at these words of hate! Monkey King Over ruled! Put down your objecting weight! Moliere “Our King is great – at least as big as any four men Montfleury For that you will pay I swear! Monkey King Sit! Silence! (To De Vise) Now, hold him there! Moliere Next question: “Let me hear how he speaks, a dozen lines,say” La Grange I might recite some lines of the king from a tragedy : Moliere Then I as a Marquis of wit and grace Madame Moliere Ha! Here is the delivery that elicits applause of gratitude. Mother Bejart Ha! How it receives warm approbation, every time. Moliere Then the question comes: “But sir, this actor he seems unnatural. Montfluery (Rushing toward the actors. He is held back by the monkeys) Must I sit and listen to such abuse and mockery? Mother Bejart Take what you dish out of your abundant crockery. Montfluery (Breaking into the play. Once again the monkeys must contain him) What! Woman, how dare you? Monkey King Order! Order in this court I say! DeVise I object! We will not be slandered in this way! |
Premier House of Monkeys!
Learn more on the “House of Monkeys” web site
“If music be the food of love…” Sing it!
The music is coming to the “House of Monkeys”
The post heading is a quote that you may recognize. It is the opening line of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and the music for the opening song of the three monkeys is being composed as you read this.
The life and work of the greatest master of comedy in Western literature is playfully unfolded by the three monkeys who have unwound themselves from the column supporting Moliere’s birthplace as they come alive to sing and twirl you into the comedy of Moliere.
The work of Composer Bill Neil
Bill Neil recently worked with the Tandem Theatre Company in Milwaukee, on production of the play Beast on the Moon, by Richard Kalinoski.
I was delighted to be a part of this production as sound designer. It is one of the most moving plays I have seen and the director, Mary McDonald Kerr, has created an interpretation that goes deep into the emotional story of each of the characters.
The opening words of the new play “House of Monkeys” will soon come alive!
Premier House of Monkeys!
Learn more on the “House of Monkeys” web site
Gays Mills Art Collective LOVES MOLIERE!
The Gays Mills Art Collective will sponsor the new play “House of Monkeys” in its world primer opening on Thursday, August 1 at the North Crawford Performance Center.
Launching any play is a fragile process. Launching a new play is exponentially fragile. Thanks for packing the box with love and respect!
Art is most often made through the support of one artist to another and from one discipline to another as expressed in the words of Moliere in Act 1, Scene 4 of “House of Monkeys”.
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All for one and one for all is what we play That we may pass through the portal and say But a few lines, just words, to oft empty chairs. Why? Why do we act words as prayers Though they fall on a dark empty space? Our pockets empty, our status disgrace; We will not be buried on blessed holy ground Since, our heaven it seems on earth we have found. All this is all quite new and glorious to me In you there is magic, I thought could not be. The troubling things now happening here Are but cast in this place and this year, But have little to do with the full play at hand. We are not now at the final act of our grand Performance nor will I take bows for such. The muse will go forth with it’s fairy touch, Weaving and winding the love that is us Into a scene, a play, dance at red dusk; The promise to sailors to sleep with delight For tomorrow we sail on soft seas and might Reach the place on the distant shore For treasures of love gifts of speeches and more. |
Moliere’s first steps into the theatre were met with empty chairs and failure. The original company of “The illustrious Theatre” was formed with his life-long partner, Madeleine, and folded after one year in a mountain of debt. Obviously, they survived as partners, as true lovers, and as the source of laughs and giggles that continue on somewhere in the world as you read these words.
As the three monkeys discover as they search the graveyard to find the body of Moliere.
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Monkey 2
Looking for a body of all things Monkey 3 Moliere will not be found in a grave Monkey 1, 2. & 3 |
Thanks to the Gays Mills Art Collective for joining in a love of Moliere!
North Crawford “PLAYFUL HOUSE”!
Visit the North Crawford Playhouse page and you WILL “Like it”.
‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’ captures the heart and soul of local audience – Review
Last performance Saturday March 16 – 608-735-4318 to get your tickets.
The North Crawford High School Playhouse – Face Book Page
Company Overview
NCP is located in the Performing Arts Center of North Crawford High School. The playhouse completes two productions per year and involves students in the junior high and the high school (6-12th grade levels). We value involvement and thus anyone who wishes to be part of a production may participate, no one is turned away. Because North Crawford is a small school, many students find they can participate in other extra curricular activities and still stay very involved in the playhouse. The playhouse also produces other works during the school year. In 2008 a travelling roadshow was produced with AODA funds. The play was titled, “Voices From the High School,” by Peter Dee, and was focused on issues that teens often face in their high school careers such as drugs, alcohol, self-image, bullying, suicide, and relationship violence.
NCP operates solely on donations and ticket sales to community members like you. Despite a limited budget, we still expect high quality craftsmanship and development of all our programs. We operate a costume rental business to supplement ticket sales. Unfortunately, due to primary and secondary educational funding cuts, many schools have cut funding for the arts, causing a slow-down in rentals. Though we are self sufficient, it is only through the loving support and helping hand of our communities. Thank you!
The video below exemplifies the playfulness of, what is arguably, one of the most energetic theatre programs in the State of Wisconsin.
So Proud of North Crawford Playhouse
A small high school in Southwest Wisconsin has built, what is arguably, one of the most energetic theatre programs in the state.
Crawford County Independent – Review
‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’ captures the heart and soul of local audience
Last performance Saturday March 16 = 608-735-4318 to get your tickets.
DENNIS KERN
POSTED March 13, 2013 9:09 a.m.
Welcome to the time machine! The North Crawford Players will lift and bend your spirit from Elizabethan England in 1590 to Hollywood in 1934 then on to 2003 and the opening of the original play, as you sit in your seat this March weekend of 2013. You are about to be transported through a fast, funny, entertaining production of ‘Shakespeare in Hollywood.’
Walk into the playhouse to find the stage set for magic and adventure. To the left, a sparkling collage of the cameras, posters, and glitz of Hollywood movie making. To the right, a majestic colonnade surrounded by an enchanted forest of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Nights Dream. Lights, camera, action and the fun begins.
Play begins with video
Director Rob Ghormley introduces the action with a You Tube video trailer from the original 1935 movie directed by Max Reinhardt and the famous actors from the past appear in black and white on the screen: Dick Powell, James Cagney, Joe E. Brown. Moments later, they appear before us with Jared Smith as Powell, Tyler Finnell as Cagney, and Elan Martin (pictured lower right) as the character actor of Joe E. Brown. Before you know it, time has shifted and you are caught up in a delicious mix of time and space that will knock you socks off.
North Crawford Playhouse Director Rob Ghormley is moved aside by his own son Dylan Ghormley as movie director Max Reinhardt and Zoe Peters as his lovely wife Ava Reinhardt. They have come to America from Austria where they tell us in a Austrian dialect that the “Nazis are killink people!”
But movies cost money. A lot of money as Warner producer Jack Warner, played by Tyler Steyer, informs us. “Movies – Money. Money – Movies. They both begin with “M”.
Warner’s voluptuous girlfriend Lydia Lansing, is played by Rowan Williamson, comes forward to describe herself with one short line.
“I am a slut,” Lansing informs us. She goes on to say “People love Shaking Spear.”
Warner and Lydia are fantastic, and even though they have problems producing the movie in the play at hand, they have no problem producing laughter from deep in your gut throughout the evening.
Next, you are enchanted by the appearance of eight sprightly, pretty and downright cute 
fairies: Jordon Finnell, Sydney Williams, Riley Chellevold, Kylie Heisz, Martha Bransky, Faith Morga, Lily Price and Brennah Ghormley. They magically appear center stage in an ethereal haze. The costumes wave and flutter in the light of innocent faces under the commanding presence of the King of the Fairy World, Oberon, played with all the grace and voice of a master by Jerrid McDaniel.
Oberon falls in love with the pretty presence of Olivia Darnell, played by Sheri Schwert (pictured top right). It is a love that is doomed as you shall witness.
Oh, and then appears and disappears Puck. Dear, zany, mystic, naughty Puck. Yes. Puck will vanish in thin air through a trick of stagecraft. You will never know it, but there are two Pucks placed to accomplish the startling illusion. Amber Weihert and Rosa Thill weave and wind their way through your heart and tickle your fancy.
Oberon appears
The haze that gave birth to Oberon and the fairies dissipates to leave us with an entirely different Hays – the three Hays sisters Winona, (Elizabeth Paczok) Wilma (Riley Barlow), and Willa (Jeannie Wollschlager). They appear in their long sleek gowns, seeking to end the production that they believe is indecent and vile.
The stage is set for comedy and conflict, filled with smoke and mirrors, man eating monsters, and a swirl of light and magic that you might expect to discover on a professional stage in Milwaukee or Chicago. The “light dance” at the top of Act 2, is too special to give away, so see it for yourself. You will “trip the lights fantastic” in a professional quality extravaganza performed by Eloise Williamson, Mickaila Perry, Lyrica Marks, Christine Sobek and Lysianne Peacock. A little hint: you will not even see the actors as they transport you to another world.
Another thrilling evening 
at the North Crawford Playhouse, and walking on the slick sidewalk back to the car, I can only think what a gift the evening has been. The North Crawford Players organization is a wonderful anomaly of magic in the world of theater. If you look at subject categories on the internet; on “Facebook” or “Stumbleupon,” you will not even find a subject-head for “theater.” I am deeply grateful that the last hour-and-a-half of witnessing the production of ‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’ has proven that theater is alive and well in Crawford County…no it is more than alive and well, it is booming. Don’t miss the bang.
“He do the Police in Different Voices” WASTELAND
T.S. Eliot originally considered titling his poem “The Wasteland” – “He do the Police in Different Voices”. “The Waste Land” is a 434-line modernist poem by T. S. Eliot published in 1922.
“It has been called “one of the most important poems of the 20th century.” Despite the poem’s obscurity —its shifts between satire and prophecy, its abrupt and unannounced changes of speaker, location and time, intimidating summoning up of a vast and dissonant range of cultures and literatures—the poem has become a familiar touchstone of modern literature.” Wik
Among its famous phrases are “April is the cruellest month,” “I will show you fear in a handful of dust,” and the mantra in the Sanskrit language “Shantih shantih shantih.”
Streaming on WDRT Sunday April 10
R’jar Tiam of Timeless Recording and Productions. will present the reading of “The Wasteland” on WDRT listener sponsored radio on Sunday April 10 at 7:00 p.m.. The show is produced by Ed Schultz of the The Driftless Writers Workshop on the Carousel Show. You can listen on the web.