The Theatrical Illusion

Theatrical Illusion, The (L'Illusion comique)

    Alternative Title: The Illusion

    Author: Pierre Corneille

    First Performance: 1635–6, Paris

    Published: 1639

    First English Translation: 1975

    Genre: Com. in 5 acts; French alexandrines

    Setting: Alcandre's grotto, early 17th c.

    Cast: 10m, 2f, extras

Pridamant, desperate to discover the whereabouts of his missing son Clindor, seeks help from the magician Alcandre, who conjures scenes of Clindor's adventures. After leaving home, he became the servant of the braggart soldier Matamore, who is wooing the beautiful young Isabelle. Adraste also pays court to Isabelle, but she secretly returns Clindor's love. To rid himself of his rival, Adraste and a group of brigands attack Clindor, who manages to fight them off, killing...

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