Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 1
1785-01-31
Paris in the afternoon. French Theatre. Abdir, and le Roi de Cocagne.
1
Abdir is a new piece. This was only the 2d. Representation: ’tis the history of young
Asgill,2 brought upon the Stage, under feigned
names. G. Britain is Nangés. Vazercan is General Washington. Abdir is Asgill. The King of
Persia is the King of France, who at the end of the Piece sends an Ambassador to the new
Republic, requesting the pardon of Abdir. The Author has not given so much interest I think
to the piece, as the Subject is susceptible of; and it is something so new, that I don't
know by what name to call it. It is not a Tragedy: for the Hero of the piece is a private
person, who is known only by that even which was produced merely by chance. It is not a
Comedy, for there is not a character in it, that has any thing comic in it, and the drift of
the Piece, is entirely tragic. There are however a number of excellent, and very liberal
sentiments. The compliments paid to the French king and nation, are not outrés. Much is said in praise of Liberty, and of the People that
defended it. Even the British are treated in a very generous manner, as they always are upon
the french Stages although the English upon their Theatres take every opportunity they can
to ridicule and debase this Nation. Nolé3 in
Abdir, and Madame Vestris4 in the mother, made
as much of their parts as they could. Le Roi de Cocagne, is one
of the most laughable, and most absurd pieces I ever saw; Dugazon,5 delivered the part of the King very well.
A musical comedy by Marc Antoine Legrand, Paris, 1719, with music by the actor Jean
Baptiste Maurice Quinault (Brenner, Bibliographical List
); for Abdir, see entry for 21 Jan., note 4
(above).
DNB
).
Not identified.
Françoise Rose Gourgaud was known on stage by her married name (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale
).
Dict. des comédiens français
).