The Boston Camerata Presents: "The Tale of Fauvel"

The Boston Camerata, America's preeminent early music ensemble, will present The Tale of Fauvel: A Political Fable from Medieval France, a biting political satire about corruption, centuries-old but still relevant, as its 2018-19 season opener. The concert is timed to coincide with the vigorous debates taking place just ahead of America's mid-term elections.

See and hear the orange creature gallop towards NowhereLand! The malevolent animal Fauvel is the protagonist of the tale satirizing religious and political life in the fourteenth century and laden with implications for our own time. The semi-staged production offers a generous selection of music, text, and visual stimulation from one of the most famous of all medieval manuscripts.

The semi-staged production of Fauvel, based on the 14th Century poem the Roman de Fauvel, describes corrupt rulers, political and religious, attempting to subvert society. The work became famous in its day, and was augmented by dozens of songs, satirical and serious, much like the Broadway musical adaptation of a successful play.

“We will be telling the story of Fauvel in English. There are plenty of good laughs,” comments Artistic Director Anne Azéma, “but, like the jokes on late-night television, there is an earnest point to be made as well.”

Gifted comic actor and singer Timothy Leigh Evans will be crossing the ocean to reprise his much appreciated impersonation of Fauvel, last heard and seen in Germany and France in 2016. Anne Azéma will assume the role of Fortune, and Joel Cohen will provide narration. They will be joined by Camerata regulars, virtuoso vielle player Shira Kammen, tenor Michael Barrett, and wind player Steven Lundhal. Vocalists from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, Brandeis University, and Dartmouth College will join the production.

The performance will take place on October 28, 2018 at 4pm at First Church Boston (66 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02116). Tickets are $10-$63 and may be purchased at bostoncamerata.org or by phone at 617-262-2092.