Robin Renucci brings his staging of Molière’s L’École des femmes to the Radiant-Bellevue in Caluire-et-Cuire for performances on October 20 and 21, 2026. The production casts the 1662 classic through the lens of modern conversations about gender domination and institutional patriarchy.
Staging the Patriarchal House at Radiant-Bellevue
Renucci, who has directed La Criée – théâtre national de Marseille since 2022, designed a distinct physical set for the upcoming regional stop. The production features an abandoned house made of planks where the character Arnolphe confines and monitors Agnès. Renucci explained to Tout Lyon that this set symbolizes a rickety, porous patriarchy that is ultimately doomed to collapse.
Despite Arnolphe’s attempts to seal the structure, the character Horace breaches it easily. The framing avoids modern costumes, relying instead on the clarity of Molière’s alexandrins and brisk pacing to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Weighing Comedy Against Aggressive Masculinism
The production pairs François Morel in the role of Arnolphe with Renucci’s conceptual framework. Renucci noted that Morel brings the necessary intelligence to play a character who attempts to enforce ignorance on a young bride. Molière structured the work as a comedy where the authoritarian figure falls into his own traps.
Renucci pointed to a broader cultural context for the revival, observing a recent resurgence of aggressive masculinism, particularly on social media. He argued that theatrical stages must serve as spaces for shared reflection on societal power dynamics rather than direct partisan politics.
Balancing Packed Auditoriums and Shrinking Subsidies
While artistic director at La Criée, Renucci reported a 95% attendance rate with audiences comprising 30% young spectators. At the same time, the institution faces a 200,000-euro funding reduction for the year. Over 20 to 25 years, financial support for dramatic centers has eroded by roughly 40% when adjusted for the cost of living. Public subsidies remain essential to keep ticket prices accessible for theatergoers.
Ticketing and Performance Schedule in Caluire
- Venue: Radiant-Bellevue, Caluire-et-Cuire.
- Dates: Tuesday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Showtime: 20:30.
- Tickets: Available through the official Radiant-Bellevue ticketing portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Production
Where can audiences purchase tickets for the Caluire performances?
Tickets and scheduling details are available directly on the official Radiant-Bellevue website for the October 20 and 21, 2026 dates.
What financial challenges does the production face?
La Criée faces a 200,000-euro funding shortfall for the year, reflecting a broader 40% reduction in subsidies for dramatic centers over 20 to 25 years.
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