Momus wakes up the Olympian Gods. After quarrelling several times and playing a few games, Jupiter promises that he will find him a wife; but the gods must flee the Giants, who have attacked them. Jupiter and Momus arrive incognito among humans who come to them complaining about their lot. Silène’s (Silenus’) donkey drives the Giants away. After going back to Olympus, Jupiter suggests that Momus marries Diane (Diana), Melpomène (Melpomene), Thalie (Thalia), and then the Foire (Fair).

Rod and string marionette

Not specified

Piron Alexis

France

Paris

Printed

Greek mythology

Giant

Wedding

Unfaithfulness

Scatology

Game of guessed professions

Competition of theaters

Comédie Française

Comédie-Italienne

Theaters of the Parisian fairs

Comical

French

La Vengeance de Tirésias (Tiresias' Revenge)

ou la Gigantomachie

Jupiter (Jove)

Juno

Apollo

Mercury

Momus

Morpheus

Minerva

Venus

Husband

Merchant (man)

Poet

Wise man

Silenus

Priest

Fair

Allegory

Metamorphosis

Comical regional accent

Le Mariage de Momus

Momus' Marriage

Polichinelle explains to the audience that, in the fashion of larger theatres, he will harangue them. He justifies the fact that he is presenting a new parody of Atys, which was already performed by Italian comedians, and advocates for the rights of the puppets, “let’s polish the most mischievous” of the Fair.

Fuzelier Louis

Public

United States of America

Parodistic

Extract from a reconstitution by Alban Thierry, from company Zouak, and his students of Harangue de Polichinelle, during PuppetPlays' Laboratory of experimental dramaturgy concerning the repertory for puppets of the theatres of the Foire Saint-German in the 18th century.

Polichinelle

Monologue

Metadiscourse on puppet theatre

Address to the public

Oration

Harangue de Polichinelle

Polichinelle's harangue

Céliante and Dorimène ask the Marquis to tell them about new plays. The latter relates that the Chevalier (Knight) and his daughter Emilie, who follow him, have seen Didon. The Chevalier, Emilie and Céliante recount the play with songs.