Spotlight on History
En Français: Le Théâtre ‘Cadien
LPB’s entire En Français series, which aired from 1980-1993, is now freely available for streaming here on the LDMA thanks to a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources. The series was produced in conjunction with the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) and is the only original LPB series broadcast entirely in French. You can view the entire series here.
This month, we’re highlighting the most unique part of the En Français series – original Cajun French plays performed by Le Théâtre ‘Cadien of Lafayette. Every year, LPB and Le Théâtre ‘Cadien collaborated to present television adaptations of these distinctive plays about Cajun life in south Louisiana.
Mille Miseres (1981)
This play features the story of one man’s refusal to abandon his traditional Acadian lifestyle and be assimilated into mainstream American culture.
La Table des Veuves (1982)
This play centers on a group of Cajun widows who gather together on Saturday night at a local bar to share stories and glances with eligible men.
Le Medecin Malgre Lui (1983)
This play, a Cajun adaptation of Moliere’s 1666 play, pokes fun at the doctors of the time by turning a poor woodcutter into “the doctor in spite of himself.”
Le Charivari (1984)
This play, a Cajun comedy set in a local bar, is an adaptation of Earl Comeaux’s Le Fête à Clomaire.
Les Deux Sourds (1985)
This play centers on a woman who is losing her hearing and her determination to find an equally deaf husband for her only daughter.
Grosbecs (1986)
This play features a boastful poacher and his near brushes with the law that threaten his marriage and make for a bizarre relationship with the local game warden.
Les Attakapas (1988)
This play explores the impact of the Civil War on the French-speaking people of south Louisiana. You can view part 2 here.
La Derniere Quilte (1989)
This play centers on the making of a wedding band quilt to celebrate a couple’s spring wedding in post-Depression Vermilion Parish. You can view part 2 here.
Messiers, Mesdames et Met Chers Amis (1991)
This play chronicles the life of Dudley J. LeBlanc, a Louisiana state senator and the creator of Hadacol. You can view part 2 here.
La Table des Veuves (1992)
This 10th anniversary production centers on a group of Cajun widows who gather together on Saturday night at a local bar to share stories and glances with eligible men.
Le Petit Chien De La Veuve (1992)
This 100th anniversary production of a Felix Voorhies play centers on a widow who is forced to sell her plantation and her servants’ plot to get it back.
This project is supported by a Recordings at Risk Grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The grant program is made possible by funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.