Madame de Sade: Yukio Mishima's Play in Paris

Yukio Mishima's 1965 play *Madame de Sade* comes to Paris for a limited run. The historical fiction drama explores the life of Renée de Sade, the wife of the notorious Marquis de Sade, focusing on her struggles during his imprisonment. All onstage characters are female, each symbolizing different aspects of human nature—wifely devotion, law, religion, carnal desires, and the common people.

Set in the salon of Madame de Montreuil in Paris, the play unfolds across three acts spanning 1772 to 1790. Attendees can expect a thought-provoking allegory that delves into themes of devotion, morality, and hypocrisy. The production offers a rare chance to see Mishima's work, which was first published in English and is now out of print.

This staging brings to life a compelling narrative that questions why Renée waited until the Marquis was freed to leave him. With its all-female cast and rich historical context, the play promises an immersive theatrical experience in the heart of Paris.