Modern Languages Events
Trip to see Molière's Tartuffe October 2011
Exeter’s Northcott production of Molière's Tartuffe gave us yet another opportunity for a Modern Languages excursion. On meeting at the bus, les filles were slightly outdone by les garçons, who were looking suitably dapper for the theatre outing. Molière, considered one of the masters of French literature, played a fundamental role in the shaping of French culture. He criticized with honesty, sensitivity and humour the mores of his time. The comic play Tartuffe was originally banned for mocking the hypocrisy of Catholic piety at the time. This adaptation therefore was very worthwhile to see as it provides an insight into both the culture and politics of 17th Century France.
From puffy, busty dresses to a semi-clad priest in no more than a loin cloth, the play was very entertaining and certainly outside the norm of our weekly routine. As an English adaptation, it was said that an element of Molière’s subtle French humour was lost, perhaps owing to a reflection of a different era and culture. The cast juggled 17th Century French politics through the eyes of 21st century Britain, resulting in a curious, comic and enjoyable mix on stage. We all felt that it was a valuable trip to add to our experiences together with the Modern Language Department; as per usual accompanied by the raucous cackles of Flora and Ellie!
French Trip to see "The Extraordinary adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec" February 2011
By kind suggestion of Madame Rumble, an intrepid group of French A level students ventured into Exeter on Thursday evening to indulge in a bit of French adventure film. And we were in for a treat! Described as ‘Amélie meets Indiana Jones’ we had no idea what to expect, and so sat back somewhat apprehensively as the plot unfolded before our eyes. Based on the Jacques Tardi comic-book series, we followed the charming but sharp-witted Adèle Blanc-Sec on her travels, searching for the mummified doctor to cure her invalid sister and returning home to early 20th Century Paris to free a mad old professor from jail. 
It ranged from subtle comedy to the downright absurd, but there’s no denying that we were kept gripped right until the very end and were transfixed by the beautiful Adèle as she disguised herself in one costume after another.Perhaps the most memorable aspect was the high pitched cackles of laughter coming from behind us as one member of the audience (obviously French and understanding all the jokes lost in translation) was truly having a wonderful evening. As the credits drew to a close, we left the cinema buzzing and grinning from ear to ear, as the wild and wacky plot had let us sink back into our childhood imaginations and relive those moments when we had wished we could fly on a pterodactyl. Then we nipped across to the Cathedral where we savoured the delights of Butternut squash filled linguini and pizza Napoletana in an Italian restaurant nearby. Thanks must go to Madame Rumble and Madame Wright for organising such an insight into the adventurous minds of the French; of course we all ignored the subtitles and listened intently in order to improve our French listening skills, but mostly we relished the light-hearted humour and escapism of this eccentric work of art.