<p>The play is set in Cannes in 1871. Madame Palmer, her daughter Miss Kate (both Americans), Monsieur Balandard and his nephew Arthur, a young painter, are staying in a hotel. The young painter is in love with Miss Kate and paints her portrait. However, Miss Kate does not recognise herself in the painting and suggests, in Arthur’s face, that he find a “real” job. The young man is hurt: he draws a caricature of Miss Kate’s silhouette and complains to his uncle – Monsieur Balandard. Meanwhile, Madame Palmer organises an occult ritual with her daughter to find out the name of the daughter’s future husband. Cléophée, Madame Palmer’s occult “friend”, writes the name “Bal…”. From that moment on, Madame Palmer tries to arrange a marriage between her daughter and Monsieur Balandard. However, the uncle decides to help his nephew. To do so, he organises a fake occult ritual and hides Arthur inside a speaking bubble. In the end, the farce is revealed and faith in occultism is shattered.</p>

Glove-puppet

Not specified

Maurice Sand (Maurice Sand)

France

Nohant

Printed

Casino

Hotel

Bourgeoisie

Painter

Unrequited love

Arranged marriage

Spirits

Occultism

Trap

Comical

Satirical

Farcical

<p>Eugène Lambert, George Sand, Maurice Sand : puppet of Arthur Dupinceau.</p>

French

L'Oncle et le neveu

Balandard

Young man

Innkeeper

Constable

American

Woman of the bourgeoisie

Young woman

Aside

Situation comedy

Invocation of the spirits of the dead

Aria

Plot twist

Les Esprits frappeurs

The Spirits that strike