-Synopsis-

< L'Arlesienne >

A day which ought to have been one of happiness, the joy of two families at last reunited: the long-awaited marriage of these two young lovers in Provence: Frederi and Vivette. What fears! What tears had preceded their engagement! But today the families can tie their bonds of prosperity and fullness together: the young have said 'yes' How lovely Vivette is! How proud she feels to introduce her beloved to everyone! And how strong Frederi is! How judicious! Has he not forever and solemnly sealed his heart to the girl from Arles?
But all of a sudden the recollection of that 'woman of prohibited passionate love' returns more vividly, tenaciously and more realistically than any witness to the 'marriage' Frederi forgets everything and everyone, Vivette and the others. He only has eyes for the shadow of 'his' Arlesienne. And as he dances hopelessly only with that phantom, he is convinced that every man is dancing with her shadow. He is blinded by the red veil of jealousy. Vivette has spied on him and realizes that Frederi is no longer hers. She attempts to drag, or rather carry him away, by now a broken-down body. But Frederi 'has death in his eyes' and madness in his heart...
Thus the inhabitants of the farmhouse can believe in a possible agreement. The young men and girls drag the newly-weds into a wild farandole. The wedding night will be one of mourning, the bridal chamber a tomb. The blazing Van Gogh sky closes and descends like lead into the ill-fated couple. With a cry, Frederi, overcome by forbidden love, flings himself into space...

Roland Petit