Ruy Blas: Navigating the depths of choice in Victor Hugo's timeless tale of love and loyalty

In 1838, Victor Hugo penned his novel, Ruy Blas, during a pivotal moment of French theatrical reform. These romantic plays were deemed too innovative and revolutionary, inciting fear in many. Indeed, Ruy Blas faced heavy criticism at the time of its inception.

The protagonist, Ruy Blas (Don Saluste's lackey), harboured a love for the Queen of Spain, cleverly using his wit to expose the corrupt government. As the play unfolded, he confronted a critical decision: remain a loyal lackey to his master or save his love and soul.

Ruy Blas at Théatre Marigny

True brilliance

Victor Hugo's brilliance as a thinker exposes the frailties of human nature. The rendition directed by Jacques Weber underscores the relevance of these ideas.

Jacques Weber, a devoted performer to the classics—Molière, Racine, Beaumarchais, Shakespeare, and Hugo—especially shone in his role as Cyrano de Bergerac by Rostand, a portrayal he enacted over 200 times at the Théâtre Mogador.

Moreover, Jacques Weber directed the film adaptation of Ruy Blas in 2002, sharing the screen with Gérard Depardieu. Given his familiarity with Victor Hugo's play, the audience senses the respect and love the actors hold for Hugo's writing, making his verses central to the contemporary interpretation of the play.

For this production, the director welcomed French film star Kad Merad to play the role of Don César, the cousin of Don Saluste (Jacques Weber). A quality duo!

And it’s still going  

Whether set in 17th-century Spain or 21st-century France, adorned in costumes spanning the ages, the audience at the Théâtre Marigny is consistently enchanted by the magic of Hugo's language, conveyed through the character Ruy Blas, skillfully portrayed by the young actor Basile Larie:

The outside scares you? If you could see the inside.

The beloved contrasts favoured by Victor Hugo are brought into the modern era. The overarching theme, articulated by the great poet, revolves around the unwavering nature of choice. Choosing is the pursuit of man, simultaneously sought after and feared. It is the duty of a true man, be he king or lackey.