Don Garcia of Navarre, or the Jealous Prince

Molières Don Garcia of Navarre stands apart from his other works like The Pretentious Young Ladies and Sganarelle. Premiering on February 4, 1661, shortly after the arrival of Maria Theresa, the young wife of Louis XIV, this heroic comedy reflects a renewed interest in Spanish drama in France. With Spanish actors performing the works of Lope de Vega and Calderon, Molière seized the opportunity to craft a narrative that explores the depths of passionate jealousy. He skillfully contrasts the absurdity of jealousy with a portrayal of its darker, more complex emotions, capturing the doubts, fears, and anxieties that accompany love. - Summary by Translator Henri Van Laun