Behind the Mask of Gazes

In the style of MOLIERE

“In this comedy of manners, Molière highlights the importance of privacy in a society where appearances and gossip reign supreme. The characters, faced with the constant observation of those around them, seek to preserve their secret garden, their intimacy. Molière thus reminds us that privacy is a fundamental right, a space where everyone can truly be themselves. It is a play that invites us to reflect on the value of privacy in our own lives and to protect it from prying eyes.”

Behind the scenes of society, among the puppets dancing to the rhythm of conventions, a very singular character emerges: the protection Act I

Scene 1: The living room of a bourgeois house

(Mr. Harpagon, a miserly bourgeois, sits at his table, greedily counting his gold coins. Élise, his daughter, enters discreetly.)

Elise: My dear father, allow me to speak to you about a matter close to my heart.

Harpagon (interrupting, without looking up): Speak, speak! But do it quickly, I still have treasures to count.

Elise: This is our private life, Father. In this society where everything is scrutinized, it is essential to protect our secrets and our privacy.

Harpagon: My daughter, you're talking about a chimera! What importance should we attach to this private life? Don't you see that our world is based on appearances and gossip?

Elise: But Father, our private life is our secret garden, a space where we can truly be ourselves, without fear of the gaze of others.

Scene 2: The street, in front of the house

(Valère, a young man in love with Élise, joins Mariane, a shy and reserved young woman.)

Valère: Mariane, my dear friend, it is essential to preserve our privacy in this society hungry for scandals and gossip.

Mariane: Oh, Valère, I agree! But how can we achieve this when we are constantly being observed and judged?

Valère: We must be careful, keep our exchanges secret and choose places where we can meet away from prying eyes.

Mariane: What a challenge that is! Every step we take is scrutinized, every word we speak is watched.

Act II

Scene 1: The park, near a fountain

(Harpagon, Élise, Valère and Mariane meet up, looking for a safe place to talk.)

Harpagon: What do I see here? My daughter in the company of this young man? And who is this young woman? What does this mean?

Elise: Father, please allow us to preserve our privacy. Give us a space where we can confide in one another without fear of your judgment.

Harpagon: My daughter, I understand your request. Privacy is a concept that deserves to be respected. But I want to know the truth! Who are these strangers?

Valère: Sir, we are simply lovers looking for a quiet corner to share our feelings. Privacy is a precious treasure, a bubble of intimacy that we must protect.

Act III

Scene 1: The living room, the final confrontation

(Harpagon, Élise, Valère, Mariane, and a few secondary characters find themselves in a tense face-to-face.)

Harpagon: Élise, Valère, Mariane, you have convinced me of the importance of privacy. I grant you this privilege, on the condition that you demonstrate loyalty and respect to our family.

Elise: Thank you, Father! We will not disappoint you. Privacy is a precious treasure that we will preserve.

Valère: Mr. Harpagon, we appreciate your understanding. We are committed to respecting your trust and keeping our privacy safe from prying eyes.

Mariane: Thank you, sir. Privacy is a sanctuary where our feelings can flourish, free from outside judgment.