Word: giraudoux
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...fairy story dramatized by Jean Giraudoux and adapted by Maurice Valency, Ondine is a prime and welcome example of the variety possible on the stage. Unlike T.S. Eliot, Giraudoux does not couch his parable in obscurity, but is quite willing to spell out the point of the play: that man must accept and respect human limitations. When exposed to superhuman love and devotion-like that of the water sprite ondine-even a knight errant finds that his shining armor becomes rusty. He is neither worthy nor capable of returning complete love. Having only this simple "message" to comprehend, the playgoer...
Died. Louis Jouvet, 63, famed French actor, director, producer and manager of Paris' Athénée Theatre; of a heart attack; in Paris. A specialist in character roles from Molière to Giraudoux, he was best known to Americans through his films (Lady Paname, Volpone) until he came to Manhattan last March, when, despite the language barrier, he delighted audiences with his deft portrayal of giggling, grimacing Arnolphe, hero of Molière's L'Ecole des Femmes...
...dashing French lieutenant assigned to teach trench warfare to ROTC students, stayed on to make a career of teaching literature. With time out only to serve as a director in France's commissariat of information early in World War II ("You're pure," said Commissioner Jean Giraudoux, who appointed him. "You don't know anybody"), "Le Beau André" has remained at Harvard ever since-an elegantly tailored, youthful-looking six-footer who has never been known to deviate from his own advice: "You've got to give yourself completely when teaching-in class...
...should like to make a few comments regarding the H.T.G. production of "The Trojan War Will Not Take Place" and the review of same written by Paul Mandel last Friday. Mr. Mandel's main criticism concerns "Giraudoux's annoying tendency to preach rather than entertain." He is quite right in a certain context, however I believe that a criticism of the play should be made in the context of another view of theatrical productions. Namely, one should have in mind the existing difference between American and French productions...
Having gone thus far, let us add a few words with regard to the particular production: "The Trojan War Will Not Take Place." Mr. Mandel states: "Giraudoux dialogue suffers in the translation and there was nothing the H.T.G. could do about that." Actually it could have; it could have chosen a better translation. Also the translation used was itself considerably altered according to somebody's whims. Since such liberty was taken, it could ahve been used for the better instead of for the worse. Mr. Mandel saw the play in Wellesley. I saw it in the Fogg Museum and wish...