Rameau's Nephew

Familiarise yourself with the French theatrical spirit of the 18th century and develop your critical thinking with this, philosopher Denis Diderot’s most celebrated piece, Rameau’s Nephew (Le neveu de Rameau). Performed for your viewing pleasure at the one and only Théâtre Le Ranelagh, this social satire tells the tale of our protagonist, the nephew of Rameau: a cynical and unscrupulous musician who exposes his corrosive vision of the world.

Positing a profound reflection on human nature, prepare yourself for an unapologetic ridicule of the society of Diderot’s time, which weaponises irony and humour to communicate its criticisms. Nicolas Vaude fleshes out the character of the nephew, using his immaculate acting skill and perfection of emotion and irony to portray this cynical character. Similarly, the talented Gabriel Le Doze brings intensity and depth to the role of the philosopher. Expect verbal jousts aplenty, set against the sensational score of Rameau’s music, as performed by incredibly talented harpsichordist Olivier Baumont.

If you’re looking to see this show with English surtitles on a day when there are no surtitles planned, it is also possible to add surtitles on a date of your preference if you have a group of more than 10 people!
Group requests must be made through contacting us at: hello@theatreinparis.com

Théâtre Le Ranelagh presents a classic of French literature for your viewing pleasure!

Rameau’s Nephew, written by Denis Diderot in the 18th century, is a philosophical dialogue between the narrator, who is the philosopher himself, and Rameau's nephew, a fictional character. The dialogue explores the ideas of the nephew, a bohemian and cynical musician, about society and the human condition.
Provocative and intelligent at the same time, Rameau's nephew expresses his contempt for social and moral conventions. He criticises the hypocrisy and superficiality of the elites, while asserting the superiority of instincts and passions. He defends the concept of 'self-love' as the driving force behind human actions.

The dialogue is lively and passionate, with the nephew setting out his ideas with vital verve and humour. He questions notions of virtue, morality, and social success, and proposes an alternative vision of human nature. The narrator, for his part, tries to counter-argue and reason with the nephew, but is often overwhelmed by his quick wit and scathing repartee.

Rameau’s Nephew is a complex work that explores themes such as truth, human nature, society, and art. It challenges established values and encourages critical thinking. Although left unfinished, Diderot's play is considered a masterpiece of the satirical and philosophical genre. It continues to influence thinkers and spark debate on the nature of man and society. Long live the critical spirit!