Making a French connection

Students, parents and faculty were transported across the pond at the Luther College French Drama Club’s March 14 performance of “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” or: “The Common-Class Gentleman.” The play, held in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall, incorporated the Luther College Oboe Band and Collegium Musicum, as well as dancing.

Director and Assistant Professor of French Anne-Marine Feat explained that even though the story was first performed in 1670, the theme still fits with modern times.

“It’s all about appearances and pretending to be someone you’re not, and pretending works in any time period,” Feat said.

Written by Molière and with music composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, the play was first performed as a ballet. The comedy tells the story of a rich man who doesn’t have any status. He tries to gain status by impressing a noblewoman and marrying his daughter off to someone she doesn’t love, but ends up making a fool of himself.

This is the third French play Feat has directed at Luther.

“I always choose something with music and usually something we’re studying in one of my classes,” Feat said.

She sees the play as a great opportunity for students to practice French. One of the greatest challenges for the students, Feat said, is learning the lines.

“It’s 17th century French, so it’s like doing Shakespeare in English,” she said.

French minor Kristina Dudley (‘12), who had a role in the play, agreed that learning lines was the most challenging part.

“I only have 18 lines, and it’s still really hard,” Dudley said.

Instructor in French Yves Gardes, a graduate student from France and the lead role in the play, was impressed with Luther students’ efforts.

“I like the idea of American students learning it,” Gardes said. “The students do a good job learning the lines.”

The musical groups added an interesting dynamic and a new challenge to putting together “Le Bourgeious Gentilhomme.” Collegium Musicum singer and viol player Sally Jungblut (‘12) said the French play posed challenges.

“We’re singing in a different language, and it’s hard to follow the play for our cues” Jungblut said.

Hannah Shatzer (‘13), a member of the oboe band, added that staying together was tricky.

“It’s hard to stay together without a conductor,” Shatzer said. “Communication is key.”

Even though many audience members didn’t know French, copies of a detailed plot synopsis were available and much of the humor required no translation.

“Even though most of [Collegium] didn’t understand French, we got the gist of the plot through their actions,” Jungblut said.

However, there were humor and plot nuances that only those who knew French could pick up. French major Jason Schmidt (‘12) was pleased when he saw the play.

“Everyone got into character, so it was really fun,” Schmidt said. “The plot summary really helped.”

Pi Delta Thi (an honors society for French minors and majors) member Kelsey Mans (‘10) also enjoyed the play.

“It’s really funny,” Mans said. “I speak French, which helped, but it’s cool to see how many people came.”