Princess of Elis

In May 1664, Louis XIV hosted a dazzling and extravagant fête at Versailles, delighting both the Queen-mother, Anne of Austria, and his wife, Maria Theresa. The highlight of the event was the enchanting performance of The Princess of Elis, a comedy-ballet crafted by Molière. This captivating work explores the timeless struggle between male and female affections, illustrating how victory often favors those who appear most distant from their desires. While Molières signature wit and humor shine through, they are tempered by the constraints of courtly decorum.