Trial by Farce: A Dozen Medieval French Comedies in English for the Modern Stage

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, France had a thriving farce culture that was written by lawyers and targeted judges and religious figures. Jody Enders has translated twelve of the funniest legal farces into English, offering a new understanding of comedy as a form of political correction. Farce portrays a different cultural picture of the Middle Ages with its vision of liberty and justice for all.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 06 March 2023
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Comedy, a timeless art form, extends far beyond the works of Chaucer, The Second Shepherds Play, and Shakespeare. While these great English authors have left an indelible mark on the comedic landscape, it is in France that one can truly immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of medieval and Renaissance humor. Over two hundred extant farces, still captivating audiences today, thrive in France, dwarfing all other contemporaneous theatrical repertoires. The French corpus is a testament to the nation's love for laughter, with a majority of these farces written by lawyers, lawyers everywhere. It is no surprise, given the sharp wit and penchant for satire that characterize these works.

Among the most famous and prolific farce writers were barristers, law students, and legal apprentices. These individuals, known as the Basoche, were a 10,000-member legal society that thrived between 1450 and 1550. Their farces were renowned for their skewering of unjust judges and irreligious ecclesiastics, often taking aim at the social and political issues of their time. The Basoche's dramatic send-ups of real and fictional court cases were a source of entertainment and controversy, as they were often seen as a threat to the established order.

Despite their popularity, the scripts for these outrageous shows were available only in French editions, scattered across print and manuscript sources. However, in Trial by Farce, celebrated theater historian Jody Enders brings twelve of the funniest legal farces to English-speaking audiences in a refreshingly uncensored but philologically faithful vernacular. This repertoire, designed for scholars, students, and theater practitioners alike, comes vividly to life as the characters navigate the complexities of power, politics, class, gender, and justice. Through the distinctive blend of wit, social critique, and breathless boisterousness that is farce, Enders offers a new understanding of comedy as a form of political correction.

The farces featured in Trial by Farce showcase a range of characters, from the cunning lawyer to the bumbling judge, the scheming wife to the foolish servant. These stock characters, familiar to audiences of the time, have been recreated with meticulous detail, allowing modern readers to appreciate the humor and social commentary of the past. The plays also explore the boundaries of power, as characters struggle to manipulate and outwit each other, often with hilarious consequences.

In addition to their comedic value, the farces of the Basoche offer a glimpse into the legal system of the time. The plays often satirize the corruption and inefficiency of the courts, highlighting the flaws and biases of the legal profession. They also provide a window into the social and cultural norms of the period, shedding light on the attitudes and beliefs of the French people.

Farce, with its ability to blend humor and drama, has always been a powerful tool for social change. The farces of the Basoche, in particular, were a means of challenging the status quo and advocating for justice. They used humor to subvert authority, exposing the flaws and injustices of the legal system and inspiring audiences to demand change.

Today, the farces of the Basoche continue to resonate with audiences around the world. They serve as a reminder of the power of humor to challenge authority, promote social justice, and inspire change. In Trial by Farce, Enders has brought these timeless works to a new generation, allowing us to appreciate the humor and wisdom of the past while also gaining a deeper understanding of the role of comedy in shaping society.

In conclusion, comedy, far beyond Chaucer, The Second Shepherds Play, and Shakespeare, encompasses a rich and diverse history. The French farces of the medieval and Renaissance periods, written by lawyers and legal apprentices, offer a unique perspective on humor and society. Through the uncensored translation of Trial by Farce, audiences can experience the wit, social critique, and political commentary of these timeless works, gaining a new understanding of comedy as a form of political correction. The farces of the Basoche continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the power of humor to challenge authority, promote social justice, and inspire change.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472055852