Learned Ladies Opening Scene

“SAY WHAT THEY MAY!” is arguably the funniest, and most memorable quote of the play Learned Ladies directed by Professor Culbert. In the beginning of the rehearsal, Act III - Scene III is in process. The director corrects the actors on their speech pacing, when to sneeze, and regularly answers questions asked by the actors. Next, I see the character Trissotin trying his best to impress the ladies in the scene. Mainly Philaminte because this is his golden ticket to the notary to marry Henriette (as the play later portrays). Then, the director decides that the act done by the actors was good enough and the prologue starts. Initially, the prologue seemed very confusing. A bunch of characters dancing and moving fast, opening and closing the doors. Afterwards, the director stops the scene in progress and gives advice to the actors. She tells the actors to be open/creative and try new voices and actions to, “see what works”. One of the most interesting details about this scene is that during the fast transitions where different groups of actors go through the doors, there is never two groups of people on the

Armond doesn’t want Henriette with Clitandre because she likes him and he apparently was her ex-boyfriend. The audience can see Clitandre hiding behind a plant, and then a chair as he gets closer to Henriette. Clitandre seems to be eavesdropping on the ongoing conversation. However, suddenly, he stops hiding, and in a very didactic manner tells Armande that he loves Henriette, and not her. Afterwards, Clitandre asserts that he will convince Philaminte to give him her blessing/ permission to marry Henriette. In addition, Belise enters the scene and contends that Clitandre loves her, and believes that he might be making a mistake by being in love with her. Belise’s interesting traits make her seem delusional and a bit over-sexualized. What makes her seem this way is her very seductive