Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan Tickets

Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia

Scene 1 from the modern ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan"

Scene 2 from the modern ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan"

Scene 3 from the modern ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan"

Scene 4 from the modern ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan"

Scene 5 from the modern ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan"

Scene 6 from the modern ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan"

All photos (6)

1 / 6

Available Dates: 14 - 15 Jul, 2026 (2 events)

Important Info

Type: Modern Ballet

City: Moscow, Russia

Duration: 2h with 1 interval

Acts: 2

Intervals: 1

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Cast

Performers

Choose the date to see the peformers

Creators

Composer: Hector Berlioz

Composer: Jean-Baptiste Lully

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Choreographer: Boris Eifman

Overview

Colourful sets, well thought-through costumes, a dynamic lighting design effectively underscore the dramatic contrast between the alluring world of stage and the miserable daily routine of the creator.

In this production of Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan Boris Eifman explores for the second time the life story and artistic universe of the famous comedy dramatist. Similarly to the production of Don Juan & Molière, presented to the public in 2001 (which, according to The New York Times’s dance critic Anna Kisselgoff, surpassed all of the choreographer’s pervious works), the new ballet draws its dramatic energy from the contradictory unity of the theatre and the reality, from the complex, sometimes paradoxical relationship between the author and his characters. However, this time Eifman depicts the multifaceted personality of the French writer and actor even more expressively.

The audience is taken beyond the theatre curtain and gets an insight into the kind of “trash” of scheming, anguish and concerns that paves the path of immortal comedies. The choreographer sees Molière, who created his own theatre, as the artist closest to himself.

St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet production

Synopsis

Act 1

The life of a brilliant playwright Jean-Baptiste Molière is nearing its end. Although terminally ill, he continues to write.

His wife Armande, who is cheating on her husband with yet another admirer, interrupts his intense work. Molière’s reminiscences take him back to the days of his youth.

Busy routine of the theatre company touring the provinces of France. The theatre manager Jean-Baptiste runs rehearsals with actors, smoothes out erupting squabbles, and performs on stage. His true friend and a gifted actress Madeleine is always at his side. Her adolescent daughter Armande is also there, among the performers.

The nomadic theatre family seeks its fortune in the capital. Glamour and luxury of Paris are intoxicating. The premiere of L’École des femmes at the Palais-Royal – the long-awaited playhouse – is a success. The company pays tribute to their director Molière.

It is a sad return to reality, to his unfaithful Armande, for the elderly Jean-Baptiste. What bitter pain causes him this flirting creature! And only memories of the past happiness with Madeleine restore his wounded soul...

New concepts seek expression on paper. Molière’s Tartuffe ruthlessly condemns bigotry and hypocrisy of the contemporary society. His challenging play infuriates moral crusaders, and their revenge is not far behind. Only the patronage of Louis XIV saves the playwright.

Armande becomes Jean-Baptiste’s lover. Madeleine leaves the theatre. Armande and Molière get married.

Act 2

A magnificent court performance is prepared by Jean-Baptiste. The King appears on stage as the Sun, Armande – as the Moon.

His wife’s frivolous behaviour distresses Molière, who is powerless of changing anything. The author of comedies finds consolation in his creative fantasies. Wishing revenge against abhorrent fops who destroy families, Molière presents a play about Don Juan.

Jean-Baptiste’s pen makes the conqueror of ladies’ hearts a prey of two tenacious peasant women.

A wall of estrangement grows between Molière and Armande. A peaceful image of the past, when Jean-Baptiste, Madeleine and Armande have been together, becomes all the more poignant in comparison.

A ball in the Commander’s castle. Don Juan is among the guests. The noble Commander’s love for his wife Donna Anna makes the devious tempter jealous. The host and his spouse perish in the fight with Don Juan.

A noisy shindig distracts Jean-Baptiste from his writing. Armande is, as always, surrounded by her suitors.

In his nightmarish hallucinations Molière sees himself as a cuckold. Delusions are replaced by mockery.

The play about Don Juan is again on stage. Molière plays the role of Sganarelle, Don Juan’s servant. Armande plays the seduced nun Elvira. In the finale Heaven itself punishes the reprobate destined for the inferno.

Molière is horrified by Don Juan. Nonetheless, his craving to follow the path of the great sinner, which is filled with pleasures, to conquer Armande with the force of a diabolical spell, is too strong. In his dreams Jean-Baptiste transforms into his own creation and revels in Don Juan’s demonic power.

The production is banned; the bailiffs seize the assets of the theatre. Molière’s body is shaking with dreadful fits of coughing. But Jean-Baptiste turns even his own slow decline into a comedy, which mocks charlatan doctors.

Madeleine comes to Molière in his final joyous vision. Royal favour is withdrawn. The vulnerable author is exposed to persecution.

Death leads Molière to immortality.

Venue Info

Bolshoi Theatre - Moscow
Teatralnaya Square 1

The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks, renowned for its grandeur, history, and artistic excellence. Located in the heart of Moscow, this legendary theatre has been home to unforgettable performances of opera and ballet for over two centuries. Its majestic architecture, world-class acoustics, and rich tradition make every event at the Bolshoi a truly unforgettable experience.

On 28 March (17 according to the old style) 1776, Catherine II granted the prosecutor, Prince Pyotr Urusov, the "privilege" of "maintaining" theatre performances of all kinds, including masquerades, balls and other forms of entertainment, for a period of ten years. And it is from this date that Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre traces its history.

The Bolshoi building, which for many years now has been regarded as one of Moscow’s main sights, was opened on 20 October 1856, on Tsar Alexander II’s coronation day.

On 29 October 2002 the Bolshoi was given a New Stage and it was here it presented its performances during the years the Main Stage was undergoing massive reconstruction and refurbishment.

The reconstruction project lasted from l July 2005 to 28 October 2011. As a result of this reconstruction, many lost features of the historic building were reinstated and, at the same time, it has joined the ranks of most technically equipped theatre buildings in the world.

The Bolshoi Theatre is a symbol of Russia for all time. It was awarded this honor due to the major contribution it made to the history of the Russian performing arts. This history is on-going and today Bolshoi Theatre artists continue to contribute to it many bright pages.

The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are among the oldest and best known ballet and opera companies in the world. It is by far the world's biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers.