Blog | HPRG Cyrano de Bergerac and the empires of the sun, a show (with fireworks!) at Versailles at the end of August/beginning of September 2009 – Hotels Paris Rive Gauche Blog

Cyrano de Bergerac and the empires of the sun,
a show (with fireworks!) at Versailles
at the end of August/beginning of September 2009

Created by Groupe F, the artists behind the year 2000 firework display at the Eiffel Tower, this interpretation of a work by Cyrano de Bergerac should be impressive stuff… and with only 6 showings, you might like to reserve your ticket in advance…

Cyrano’s The Comic History of the Other World, States and Empires of the Moon, States and Empires of the Sun is a 17th century precursor of science fiction. It tells of an imaginary world that occasionally makes contact with our own: on a trip to the Moon – and later the Sun – the narrator Dyrcona has adventures both cosmic and comical, providing the starting point for this performance.
The figure of Dyrcona, who tells his tale “in letters of fire”, is the focal point for five voyages of exploration which revisit Versailles through the eyes of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Obviously this is Groupe F’s cue to turn the story into a huge firework display with flame throwers, illuminated characters and moving images!

According to the official site, it’s no less than a lunar voyage, a solar voyage, a terrestrial voyage, a celestial voyage – and an inner journey, too. (???)

They also say that exploration is the leitmotiv running through the imagery of a performance which brings to life Dyrcona and his acolytes – human, animal, mythical or cosmic. On the Moon, dreams collide and respond, marvellous machines are invented before our eyes, opening up new possibilities, other dimensions, other explorations.

Perhaps you’ve understood what to expect; we’re still a bit vague about the details. But that doesn’t really matter! Just say ancient chateau and flames and we’re THERE! There’s also the (intriguing) possibility of being able to visit the Chateau of Versaille before the show, after it has been emptied of all the pesky tourists. The tour is called the King Visit and it costs 15€ if your book at the same time as your ticket for the show (for which seats cost between 20 and 85 euros).

Cyrano de Bergerac et les empires du Soleil starts at 9.30pm on 29th August and the 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th and 12th September 2009 at the Bassin de Neptune at Versailles (map here).

For the official site, click here.
To book your seat, click here.