Pierrot has been dead for six months when he meets Arlequin in the Underworld. Arlequin has just arrived and tells Pierrot that Colombine quickly forgot all about him after he died. First, she went with Valère, then with Arlequin himself, after he and Martine divorced. After having met Platon (Plato) and Socrate (Socrates) and spied on their conversations, Pierrot and Arlequin begin philosophising about women. When they meet Pluton (Pluto), they ask him to bring Martine and Colombine, whom they yearn to see. The two women are taken alive to the Underworld, but they reject Arlequin and Pierrot as they refuse to live with dead men. To keep them away, Martine sends them both on a mission with Pluton and Caron (Charon). The young women meet Platon and Socrate too, who are both affected by the women’s living flesh. Arlequin is jealous and ready to fight Socrate. However, Pluton comes back and tells Martine and Colombine that Valère has already replaced them both. They ask to be brought back to earth, and Pluton grants their wish. After they are gone, Pluton and Arlequin declare that no woman is trustworthy, but Diotime (Diotima) appears and reminds them of the transfiguring power of love.

Not specified

Pigeon Amédée

France

Paris

Printed

Descent into hell

Death

Love

Carnal love

Unfaithfulness

Philosophy

Greek mythology

Afterlife

Woman

Dialogue of the dead

Comical

Satirical

Philosophical tale

French

Pierrot

Arlecchino

Socrates

Plato

Choir

Pluto

Colombine

Diotima

Apparition

Scene of recognition

Spying scene

L'Amour dans les Enfers

Love in the Underworld

Mrs Lee confesses her love to her Gardener, in front of her husband. The Gardener snorts in response. She gives herself to him, thrilled by the idea of joining their souls. As they are making love, the Gardener slits her throat with his scythe. Mr. Lee, who witnessed everything from the room where the audience is, is delighted that everything was fake and that it was just a dream. Aha and Blindboy, who witnessed it all, decide to go back in the past, disappointed by the modern world.

String marionette

Craig Edward Gordon

Italy

Marina di Pisa

Garden

Spiritual union

Erotic

Parodistic

Edward Gordon Craig, Uplifted Petticoats (front cover)

English

A Highbrow Morality Play for Men Only

Husband

Gardener

Ahha

Blind Boy

Blind

Monologue

Address to the public

Seduction scene

Erotic scene

Murder on stage

Commentary

Speechless character

Blind character

Uplifted Petticoats