17th century playwright Pierre Corneille might be the sensation of the end of this season, with four of his classic plays currently running or about to open.

The first Corneille classic to open this season was Marion Bierry's staging of Horace. This production, starring Delphine Rich, Elisabeth Vitali, Isa Mercure and Stephane Bierry earned four Moliere Awards nominations this year.

One of Corneille's most famous plays, Le Cid, has been revived by young director Thomas Le Douarec, who includes flamenco dancers and singers in his unconventional staging. This classic story of love and honor stars Gilles Nicoleau in the title-role, Vanessa Gregory, Gabriel Le Doze and Gregoire Bonnet.

The Comedie Francaise hosts on certain evenings Jacques Rosner's production of Rodogune, which is quoted as being the playwright's favorite play, while at the Theatre du Vieux Colombier (which is run by the Comedie Francaise), Surena will run from Apr. 28 to Jun. 7, directed by Anne Delbee.

For tickets and information on Horace at the Theatre de l'Oeuvre, call 331 44 53 88 88. For tickets and information on Le Cid at the Theatre de la Madeleine, call 331 49 87 50 50.

For tickets and information on Rodogune at the Comedie Francaise, call 331 44 58 15 15. Runs on certain evenings until July.

For tickets and information on Surena at the Theatre du Vieux-Colombier, call 331 44 39 87 00. Runs Apr. 28 - Jun. 7.

-- By Stephane Ly-Cuong
France Correspondent