A scene from the musical "Molière." Courtesy of Shenzhen Poly Theater
"Molière," an acclaimed musical from France, will make its Shenzhen debut with six consecutive performances at Shenzhen Poly Theater this autumn.
This award-winning musical brings the legendary playwright's life to the stage through a dynamic blend of rap, urban music, and modern dance — because nothing captures 17th-century France quite like a killer beat. Audiences can expect electrifying performances, striking visuals, and a bold reimagining of a theatrical icon.
Molière is a cornerstone of French culture and a towering figure in world theater. Celebrated as the greatest writer of 17th-century French classicist literature, he revolutionized comedy, securing his works a pivotal place in European theater history.
Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in 1622 to a family of royal furnishers — his father was a tapestry merchant — Molière defied expectations by dedicating his life to the stage. His masterpieces, including "The Imaginary Invalid," "Tartuffe," and "The Miser," offer sharp portrayals of the society, exploring themes of wealth, marriage, inheritance, and class. These works not only cemented his legacy but also elevated French comedy to literary prominence for the first time since the Middle Ages.
Molière's death was as dramatic as his life: He succumbed to tuberculosis shortly after collapsing onstage during a performance of "The Imaginary Invalid."
His cultural impact endures, with over 2,500 words from his works entering modern French — earning the language its nickname, "la langue de Molière."
Spanning 150 minutes, the show traces Molière's journey from a 20-year-old dreamer to a theatrical legend, capturing his artistic struggles, triumphs, and tragic demise.
Written and composed by Dove Attia — creator of "Mozart, l'Opéra Rock" and "Le Roi Soleil" — the musical draws inspiration from Broadway's "Hamilton." With a powerhouse French creative team, it blends entertainment with a contemporary homage to France's cultural legacy.
Since its 2023 Paris premiere, "Molière" has toured France to sold-out crowds, logging 160+ performances and half a million spectators. It swept seven awards at the 2024 French Musical Theater Awards (including Best Musical) and earned a nomination at the prestigious Molière Theater Awards.
Time: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16-19; Oct. 18-19 also at 2 p.m.
Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳保利剧院)
Metro: Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E
