NTID Theatre History: Madwoman of Chaillot: 1972

Bill Moody directed this play by Jean Giraudoux.

Assistant: Genevieve Pogorzelski.  It was performed at the Booth Auditorium.

The following actors played these characters:

Miriam Sotomayer: Countess Aurelia, the madwoman of Chaillot

Charles Baird: The Ragpicker, her friend

Theresa Szupica: Irma, young housekeeper for the Countess

Ron Trumble: The Sewer Man, a Paris Sewer Worker

Debbie Helwig: Mm. Constance, the madwoman of Passy

Marcia Radzikowski: Mlle. Gabrielle, the madwoman of St. Suplice

Jorjan Neri: Mme. Josephine, the madwoman of Concorde

Clayton Valli: Pierre, a friend of the Countess

Ronnie Lynn Oshrain: Flower girl

Judy Ann McClain: Candy peddler

Janet Manfredonio: Waitress

Sandra Urmetz: Fruit peddler

Tom Rankin: Adolphe Bertaut, the former lover of the Countess

Ron Borne: First President

Ted Lord: Second President

Mike Muszynski: Third President

Ron Borne: First Prospector

Ted Lord: Second Prospector

Mike Muszynski: Third Prospector

Ron Borne: First Press Man

Ted Lord: Second Press Man

The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux is a satirical and whimsical play that addresses themes of greed, corruption, and the triumph of idealism over materialism. Originally written in 1943 during the Nazi occupation of France, the play premiered posthumously in 1945. It is often interpreted as a critique of authoritarianism and capitalist exploitation.

Plot Summary

The story takes place in the Chaillot district of Paris, where a group of corrupt businessmen and politicians conspire to exploit the city's resources for personal profit, including plans to drill for oil beneath the streets of Paris. Their greed and disregard for humanity provoke the intervention of the eccentric Countess Aurelia, known as the "Madwoman of Chaillot."

Aurelia and her equally quirky friends and allies—other "madwomen" and marginalized characters—decide to fight back against the destructive plans. They orchestrate a mock trial to expose the industrialists' greed and cruelty, ultimately leading to their metaphorical and literal removal from society.

Themes

The play explores:

• The struggle between humanism and materialism: Aurelia represents a world of beauty, love, and human connection, contrasting the businessmen's world of profit-driven exploitation.
• Idealism vs. corruption: It champions the power of individuals to resist oppression and protect their values.
• The absurdity of greed: Through humor and surrealism, the play critiques how greed can lead to absurd and destructive consequences.

The play is celebrated for its poetic language, wit, and enduring relevance as a critique of unchecked power and environmental exploitation. It remains a popular work in theaters worldwide.