Young baron of Sigognac is the last descendant of a fallen noble family of Gascony. He lives in hardship and privation in the midst of the ruins of his castle. One stormy night, a company of comedians arrives at his home to seek refuge. The young man decides to join the theatrical troupe to reach Paris, his aim being also to be received at Court and restore his fortune. Along the way, among thousand vicissitudes, duels, loves and friendships, the baron himself becomes an actor, taking the stage name of Captain Fracasse.

Théophile Gautier’s novel is a timeless initiatory journey that takes us into 17th century France through the adventures of a theatre company. Italian and French film adaptations contributed to the creation of an original language which combines the Commedia dell’Arte with the tradition of swashbuckling novels. Without missing the comic-farcical dimension, Captain Fracasse oscillates between two registers, alternating comic jokes and dramatic scenes. Live music, expressly composed for the show, contributes to create the daring universe of the work.