Théâtre Le Ranelagh
5 rue des Vignes, 75016 Paris
Capacity 300 seats
Molière's School for Wives
Location
Duration
1h 20m
No intermission
Details
Classical Theatre
Recommended for ages 10 and up
In French
Highlights: Molière's School for Wives
In its simplest terms, The School for Wives is a play in five acts by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, made up of 1731 Alexandrine couplets, which premiered at the Palais Royal theatre on December 26, 1662. However, that description would not do justice to the fact that this play by Molière (the pen name of the aforementioned Jean-Baptiste Poquelin!) is a real jewel of the French theatrical repertoire, mixing the absurdity of farce with heightened comedy and sublime verse. Be sure to see this show with your family at the Théâtre le Ranelagh!
Story: Molière's School for Wives
Castigat ridendo mores… One corrects their morals through laughter. Molière, more than any other writer, made this principle his own through his comedies. And what a comedy The School for Wives is! Molière presents Arnolphe, a middle-aged man dreaming of marital bliss, but paralyzed by his fear of infidelity and deception. He decides to marry Agnes, his ward, who has spent her life up until now in a convent, and who appears totally ignorant of the temptations of life. But beware... things aren’t always what they seem!
Molière’s progressive comedy pulls no punches, and highlights the importance of a thorough education for women. A timeless classic and modern farce all in one, The School for Wives still speaks to audiences today. Share the laughter with family and friends at the Théâtre le Ranelagh, whose lively and contemporary staging features just three actors who share all of the parts!
Reviews
Théâtre Le Ranelagh
5 rue des Vignes, 75016 Paris
History and Fun Facts about the Théâtre le Ranelagh
Step into the grand auditorium of the Théâtre le Ranelagh, and prepare to be wowed by the ornate carved oak paneling adorning the orchestra and balconies, as well as the intricately decorated ceiling. Looking around you it’s not hard to believe that this building is listed as one of Paris’ 'historical monuments'…
The Théâtre le Ranelagh is tucked away in the heart of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, a few paces away from the Eiffel tower on one side, and the bois de Boulogne on the other. It is built on the site of the old Château de Boulainvilliers, the estate was at the time right outside the city and covered 8 hectares (almost 12 football fields!). The theatre itself is rich in history and over 120 years old, after being converted to replace the chateau's music room by the landowner of the time into his own private venue where he could invite all the best-known actors and musicians in Paris to play there for him and his friends. After his death, the entire estate was destroyed to make way for the expanding city of Paris. All, that is, except for the theatre which was miraculously saved, and to this day still stands in its original spot! Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior, once inside the Théâtre le Ranelagh you can feast your eyes on its original decor of plush red velvet seating and carved oak paneling throughout.
The theatre is designed in the French style, meaning all of the seats are directly facing the stage and giving the auditorium a rectangular shape. The venue also features a small bar in its foyer complete with a fireplace and enough seating for up to 80 people, perfect for a drink before the performance.
Not just a theatre…
For a time in the early 1900s, the theatre was used as a cinema, which was incredibly popular. The director of the world famous film Les enfants du paradis loved the theatre, and often programmed the film to be screened there. The cinema tradition still exists at le Ranelagh, and films are still screened there from time to time! In addition to film screenings and a show programme rich with plays by classic French playwrights, the Théâtre le Ranelagh holds puppet shows for younger audiences and other community events.
Fast facts
Capacity: 300
Handicap Accessible: Yes, please contact us to ensure proper seating in accessible areas
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
FAQ
How do I get to Théâtre le Ranelagh?
Théâtre le Ranelagh
The Théâtre le Ranelagh is accessible by:
Metro lines: You can take line 6 to Passy, line 9 to La Muette, or the RER C to Boulainvilliers or Maison de la Radio Avenue du Président Kennedy .
Our customer service can be reached in case of difficulty from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, please consult the map above.
What do I do when I get to Théâtre le Ranelagh?
We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of The School for Wives and to present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre le Ranelagh’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
Can I take photos during The School for Wives?
In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during The School for Wives. However, you can take photos of the Théâtre le Ranelagh before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous evening at the theatre!
How long does the show last?
The School for Wives lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.
Is tipping customary?
Tips are not mandatory in Parisian theatres. However, ushers will usually appreciate a small tip of between €2 and €5, which you can give them when they’ve shown you to your seat. Fun fact: the French word for “tip” is “pourboire,” which literally translates to “to have a drink.”