The Rivals (Les Corrivaus)

by Jean de La Taille, H. Peter Clive (Translator)

Jean de La Taille's play  Les Corrivaus  is the comical story of the rivalry between Filadelfe and Euverte for the lovely Fleurdelys. Difficulties are resolved symmetrically, and matrimony is the order at the end of the day—though, in the best Renaissance tradition, the difficulties had appeared grave indeed. The play should appeal to anyone interested in the theatre, but it is of considerable importance to historians of Renaissance drama, since it is generally accepted as the earliest surviving French humanist comedy written in prose, and the first to be based on Italian models. In particular, La Taille draws heavily upon Le Maçon's translation of Boccaccio's Decameron. The play also amplifies understanding of numerous conventions of Renaissance drama—especially those related to stagecraft, plot, and thematic treatment—yet La Taille transcends mere conventionality in his skilled treatment of character and plot. He also manages to accomplish his didactic purpose, informing his audience of the foibles of lovers, with a minimum of sententious moralizing.

58 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1573

About the author

Jean de La Taille (c.1540 - c.1607) was a French poet and dramatist.
(Source:en.wikipedia.org)

Jean de la Taille de Bondaroy est un poète et dramaturge. Il est né au château de Bondaroy, près de Pithiviers, à une date incertaine entre 1533 et 1540, et mort au même endroit vers 1611 ou 12, ou peut-être 1616.
(Source:fr.wikipedia.org)