Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
The Princess of Castile, known as the ’Infanta’, has fallen in love with Don Rodrigo, a man far below her station. To try to discourage her own affection for him, she has introduced him to her close friend Chimène, the daughter of the Count of Gormas. The two fall deeply in love, and everyone expects their fathers to accept this match and arrange their marriage.
Unknown to either the Infanta or Chimène, the King has announced that Don Rodrigo’s father, Don Diego, will become governor to the young prince, as a reward for his great service to the kingdom The Count is furious to learn that this honorable position will be going to a retired soldier, and that he has been overlooked. When Don Diego approaches the Count to propose that they strengthen his position further, by uniting his son with the Count’s daughter, the Count is appalled. He deals Don Diego a terrible insult. Don Diego raises his sword at the challenge, but his old age has weakened his arm and it drops to the ground.
This moment changes everything for Don Rodrigo and Chimène. To restore his father’s honor, Don Rodrigo must challenge the Count. The Count dies at Rodrigo’s hand, leaving Chimène torn between wanting vengeance against Rodrigo, whilst still being completely in love with him. Can Chimène ever forgive the man she loves? Could she see him die? Either way, their future seems hopeless. How can the two young lovers protect the honor of their fathers, without causing themselves further pain?
Corneille’s Le Cid is a story of love, honor, and betrayal set in 11th century Spain, which has inspired many adaptations and retellings, including Massenet's well known opera Le Cid.
Show Information
- Book
- Pierre Corneille
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Las Mocedades del Cid by Guillén de Castro
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1637
- Genres
- Drama, Tragedy, Historical/Biographical, Romance
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Kingdom of Castile, Spain, Seville, 11th Century
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Community Theatre, College/University, High School, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly, Adult, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Despite the popularity of Corneille’s Le Cid, there are some who would claim the credit for this play’s greatness is not due to Corneille at all. Shortly after its first performance, at the Théâtre du Marais in Paris in 1637, Le Cid prompted an accusation of plagiarism. This French play seemed to be more than an adaptation of the Arabic and Christian legends about a great Spanish warrior known as ‘El Campeador’ (The Champion) and ‘Le Cid’ (The Lord). Rather, it was almost identical to
to read the context for Le Cid and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
Chimène is eager to know what her governess, Elvira, has learned of her father’s opinion of Don Rodrigo. Elvira has been very diplomatic in talking to Don Gomez, Chimène’s father, about the subject. She knows that Elvira is in love with Don Rodrigo, but with Don Sancho also paying her attention, Elvira has indicated to Don Gomez that he must choose the right husband for his daughter. Nevertheless, she is happy to report that Don Gomez does speak favorably of Don Rodrigo, so things
to read the plot for Le Cid and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
The French Academy; the French institute overseeing matters pertaining to the French language.
A philosophy crafted by Aristotle which suggests that a well-made play has one main story, takes place in a compact amount of time, and has one setting.
Description of material not protected by copyright law.
A play that includes both comic and tragic elements.
Videos
Sorry! We do not currently have videos for this guide.
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Wendy Silvester
Singer and vocal coach based in the UK.