Les Deux Jumeaux de Bergame

Les Deux Jumeaux de Bergame is a French one act farce, with songs, by Florian (Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian, 1755–1794)[1]. Also listed in some versions as Les Jumeaux de Bergame. Music composed by Marc-Antoine Désaugiers (1742-1793)

The original text

First performed on 6 August 1782 at the Comédie Italienne, Paris. First published on 24 August, 1782 by Sieber, Paris.

Translations and adaptations

Adapted as an opéra-comique by Auguste de Talleyrand (1770-1832) First performed at Saint-Cloud, 3 May 1806

Adapted as a ballet-harlequinade in one act, entitled Les Jumeaux de Bergame. Choreography by Louis Mérante (1828-1887), the libretto by Charles Nuitter and music by Théodore de Lajarte. First performed in the open air at the Casino de Paramé, in 1885, later performed by the Théâtre National de l'Opéra at the Palais Garnier on 26 January, 1886.

Adapted as a two act opera by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865 - 1950; Composer) and Maurice Léna ( - 1928; Librettist) Published in 1908 by Heugel et Cie, Paris.

Performances in South Africa

1803: Planned for 11 June but finally performed on 18 June (due to the indisposition of the musicians) in the African Theatre, Cape Town by the French Amateurs under the direction of Villet, with Arlequin Afficheur (Desfontaines, Barré and Radet) and La Revanche Forcée.

1809: Performed on 11 March in the African Theatre, Cape Town by the French Amateurs with Le Tambour Nocturne, ou Le Mari Devin (Destouches).