Ferenc Molnar's play Liliom is known to audiences in various forms; novel, play, musical, film. This story of love, death and redemption between a carnival barker and a young maid was written by Hungarian-born Molnar in 1909. Liliom has been adapted on screen twice, by Franz Borzage in 1930 and by Fritz Lang three years later. In 1945, Rodgers and Hammerstein based their musical Carousel on Liliom and movie version of the musical has been made by Henry King in 1956.

The Compagnie des Possibles is currently presenting Liliom , the play, at the Proscenium, in a recent adaptation by Christian Benedetti. The cast of this production is led by Wilfried Tabacchi (Liliom), Marielle Morice (Julie), Peggy Semeria (Marie), Valerie Goya (Mme Muscat) and Severine Broussy (Mme Hollunder). The play is directed by Roch-Antoine Albaladejo who also plays the role of the Dandy.

To express the dark atmosphere of the play, the company has chosen black and grey costumes - sometimes highlighted by a touch of red -, a quasi expressionist make-up and simple white panels to form the set. An accordionist (the director itself) sometimes appears on stage, playing a nostalgic ballad, while props and sets are being changed.

For tickets and informations on Liliom at the Proscenium, call 331 40 09 77 19. Runs until Feb. 22.

-- By Stephane Ly-Cuong
France Correspondent