<p>Polichinelle and the Compère talk about a naval battle which has just taken place. A troupe of French and Italian comedians is attacked at sea by corsairs led by a French renegade. The latter brings them to Tunis. The actors put on a show for the Gouverneur (Governor), scare the audience with Arlequin’s mask and are sent to work in the fields. The actresses reject the Gouverneur’s advances (Governor). The renegade plans their escape, so that they can go back to France.</p>

Rod and string marionette

Not specified

France

Paris

Manuscript

Relationship between Christians and Muslims

Tunisia

Corsair

Slavery

Treason

Renegade

Harassment

Minor news

Agriculture

Censorship

Dramatic

French

Actor

Polichinelle

The Interpreter

Soldier

Pierrot

Messenger

Swiss

Leandre

Pantaloon

Arlecchino

Theatre within the theatre

Song

Masked characters

Avista

Prologue

Comical foreign accent

Dialogue with a character in the audience

Current affairs

Naval combat

La Prise d'une troupe de comédiens par un corsaire de Tunis au mois de septembre 1740

A troupe of actors captured by a corsair from Tunis in September 1740

<p>After having sung the duke of Burgundy's praises, Polichinelle reappears with Madame Gigogne. Both of them start to dance. Madame Gigogne gives birth to girls who give birth to other girls. Polichinelle is delighted about being the grandfather of this “nursery” and promises that it will be at the service of the duke. He asks the duke to recognise him as the only Polichinelle allowed at court.</p>

La Prise d'une troupe de comédiens par un corsaire de Tunis au mois de septembre 1740

Intermède de marionnettes

suivi d'un combat naval et d'un siège de ville