Printed
16 pages
Author(s)
Guignol veut s'enrichir
Guignolade en un acte
The play was written for puppeteer Roger Roussot. The invitation cards for the shows performed in 1932 bear the words “childish games in one act”.
A rich man is defeated but happy
Monsieur Durand owns a factory and is looking for someone to replace him while he leaves on holidays. He offers the position to Guignol. Because his factory produces blows with a stick, he starts hitting Guignol. Guignol grabs the stick--it is his turn to hit Monsieur Durand, whom he leaves for dead. The Gendarme (policeman) comes in. He tries to seduce Madelon. When he discovers Monsieur Durand’s body, he wants to capture the murderer. Madelon succeeds in making him leave, and she brings Monsieur Durand back to life. The Gendarme comes back but he is driven out once and for all. Monsieur Durand gives Guignol the job.
First performance
Akademia Raymond Duncan, stage direction by Roger Roussot
Publications and translations
Pierre Albert-Birot, Théâtre, vol. VI. Mortemart: Rougerie, 1980.