Event

The Impromptu at Versailles

Theatre, music and painting come together in this special event!

PERFORMANCE IS INSIDE THE GALLERY

The Art Theater is proud to present Molière's one-act comedy, 'The Impromptu at Versailles', October 21-29 at the Pence Gallery as part of their Art After Dark series. A special performance on October 29 will include music by the Sacramento Baroque Soloists, including dance music by Lully, with whom Molière collaborated on court entertainment for Louis XIV.

Performances will take place in the Main Gallery, where on exhibit will be the annual forgery show by twelve painters from the Mt. Shasta region. Playing with the idea of originality, these artists use their technical prowess to investigate well-known examples of western art history. From revised, updated versions of masterworks, complete with modern apparel or situations, to remarkable facsimiles of originals, the Mt. Shasta painters engage visitors with their "forgeries".

Written in 1663, "The Impromptu at Versailles" is a comedy about actors and acting styles for comedy and tragedy, showing us Molière turning a satirical eye on himself and his own troupe of actors in a virtuosic display of meta-theatricality. In this unique adaptation by Timothy Nutter, the Art Theater uses Molière's play to mimic and satirize itself and the Art Theater's realistic acting style.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists, formed in 2001, is a professional ensemble dedicated to performing music written between 1600 and 1800. From Uccellini and Gabriella to Lully, from Vivaldi to Biber and Bach, Sacramento Baroque Soloists presents historically-informed concerts on period-style instruments.

Please join us for this multi-disciplinary event at the Pence Gallery!