Une Folie

Une Folie ("a madness") is a comic opera in two acts by Jean-Nicolas Bouilly (1763-1842)[1], with music by Etienne-Nicolas Méhul (1763-1817)[2].

The original text

First performed at the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique (the Théâtre Feydeau) on 5 April 1802, and published in Paris by Huet, Ravinet & Charon in 1802. The partition published in Paris by Pleyel also in 1802.

Translations and adaptations

Translated into English and published anonymously as Une Folie in 1802 , though the title A Wild Goose Chace, or The Model also occurs in the text. This text, attributed to J. Wild, was apparently never performed. In 1803 another translation, Love Laughs at Blacksmiths by "Arthur Griffenhoof" (pseudonym of George Colman the Younger), was performed at The Haymarket in 1803 and published in the same year.

Performance history in South Africa

1809: Performed in Cape Town on 9 December by a French company brought together by a Mr Boucherville (who also played the role of "Florival"). The accompanying piece was La Comédie Universelle.