A dying tyrant clutches power while youth storms the gates. History's oldest story, told with teeth.
This play by Henry de Montherland, takes place in 1517 and depicts the Cardinal de Cisneros, an authoritarian man approaching his end, regent of the throne of Spain oscillating between his desire for power and his tendency to inaction. Thinking himself invulnerable, he awaits the arrival of young Charles on the throne, but his beliefs will be shaken.
Acting
Stage-trained cast chewing through Montherlant's dense monologues.
Production
Intentionally theatrical sets emphasizing psychological over historical realism.
Director
Jean Vernier
Danièle Ajoret
2nd bridesmaid
Jean-Claude Arnaud
1st lord
Marco Behar
Varacaldo
Régine Blaess
1st bridesmaid
René Camoin
Baron Van Arpen
Louise Conte
Queen Jeanne de Castille
Paul-Émile Deiber
Don Diego de la Mota
Bernard Dhéran
Count of Aralo
Simon Eine
Gentleman of the room
André Falcon
Luis Cardona
Max Fournel
2nd lord
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Montherlant was a controversial figure — royalist, misogynist, yet celebrated stylist. The play's 1960 premiere sparked debates about whether it glorified or indicted authoritarianism.
Jean Vernier directed primarily for television; this rare theatrical adaptation was shot in 15 days on a shoestring budget, with costumes borrowed from the Comédie-Française.
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