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Caroline Vigneaux’s “Le cid pète un câble”: A Modern Take on a Classic
French actress and comedian Caroline Vigneaux is currently captivating audiences with her theatrical production, “Le Cid pète un câble” (The Cid Loses It), a contemporary reimagining of Pierre Corneille’s 17th-century tragedy, Le Cid.the play, performed in alexandrine verse, aims to make the classic work more accessible to modern audiences while concurrently showcasing emerging talent.
The Genesis of the Project: A Personal Connection
Vigneaux’s inspiration stemmed from a personal experience with her children. She realized they struggled to connect with classical theater, specifically Molière, as they lacked the past and cultural context. “I hadn’t taken the time to prepare them for the play, to tell them the story, to explain what a dowry was, or many things they didn’t have the references for, and that’s why they hated it,” Paris Fans reports. This realization led her to create a piece that would serve as an introduction to classical works.
“Le Cid” Reimagined: A Blend of Old and New
Vigneaux chose corneille’s Le Cid (1637) as her source material, citing it as her favorite play. The production isn’t a direct adaptation but rather a fusion of Corneille’s original verses with Vigneaux’s own writing, all maintained in alexandrine form. She spent two years crafting the script, meticulously preserving key verses to allow the audience to appreciate their original context. Paris Fans notes that this approach aims to bridge the gap between classical language and contemporary understanding.
Contemporary Elements and Emerging Talent
To further connect with modern audiences, “Le Cid pète un câble” incorporates contemporary artistic forms, most notably rap. A highlight of the show is a performance by MC Solaar, who raps a rendition of the famous line “O rage, ô désespoir” (“Oh rage, oh despair”). This collaboration exemplifies the play’s dialog between classical language and current cultural references.
The production also serves as a platform for young actors. Four performers each embody two roles, contributing to the dynamic energy of the show and providing them with valuable stage experience.
Beyond the Stage: Vigneaux’s Other Pursuits
Alongside her theatrical work, Vigneaux also continues to tour with her one-woman show, “In Vigneaux veritas.” She also expressed her enjoyment of driving, associating specific routes with personal memories, such as the A5 motorway towards Seine-et-Marne, which holds childhood significance.
Current run and Future Plans
“Le Cid pète un câble” is currently playing in Paris until March 2026, with plans for a subsequent tour. There is also the possibility of a performance at the