This play from the Soleinne collection (Bibliothèque nationale de France, Ms fr. 9313) was only recently identified as a puppet play, thanks to François Rubellin’s research (Marionnettes du XVIIIe siècle, Anthologie de textes rares (Puppets of the 18th century, Anthology of rare texts), Montpellier: Espaces 34, 2022). Several elements suggest that it may have been written by Denis Carolet, but this is only a conjecture.

The theme of judgement in the afterlife had already been staged in 1727 at the Opéra-Comique of the Foire Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent Fair) in a play for human actors, Olivette juge des Enfers (Olivette judge in the Underworld) and in 1693 at the Théâtre-Italien with Les Aventures des Champs-Elysées (The Adventures of Elysium).

Pierrot has just arrived in the Underworld after being hanged. Pluton (Pluto) tasks him with judging newcomers. Pythagore (Pythagoras), a Poète (Poet), a Financier, a Coquette, an Actrice d’Opéra (Opera Actress) and a Médecin (Doctor) go before him. Each is put in an unexpected group (the comedians for Pythagore, the false witnesses for the Poète, the coach drivers for the financier, etc.).