Written by Alain-René Lesage Setting Serendib Playwright Alain-René Lesage Original language French language | Date premiered 1713 First performance 1713 Genre Farce | |
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Characters Arlequin
Pierrot
Mezzetin
the Grand Visir
the Grand Sacrificer
harem girls
thieves People also search for Arlequin Mahomet, La Foire de Guibray, Le Tombeau de Nostradamus | ||
Arlequin roi de Serendib is a three-act farce by Alain-René Lesage. It was first performed at the Foire Saint-Germain in 1713.
Contents
Plot summary
After being marooned on the island of Serendib, Pierrot and Mezzetin are separated from Arlequin. Pierrot and Mezzetin, being familiar with the customs of the island, disguise themselves as women to avoid being killed and are appointed priestesses by the natives. Arlequin, on the other hand, allows himself to be captured, and the natives crown him king. Arlequin enjoys some of the perks of kingship, including fancy meals, a formal portrait sitting, concubines, and a personal physician, before he discovers that the natives sacrifice their kings to their gods.
Before the sacrifice, however, Mezzetin creates a diversion, as he too would like to escape from Serendib where he is being courted by the Grand Visir. Mezzetin, Pierrot, and Arlequin escape to Paris.