Le jeu de la feuillée

     Le Jeu de la Feuillée was written in 1276 by Adam de la Halle, but feels like it could have been written by one of the twentieth century existentialists. The main character, Adam, a stand in for the author, announces to the tavern that he will be leaving his small town to return to Paris to finish his studies. But like Vladimir and Estragon in Beckett's Waiting for Godot, the next day he is still in the tavern, seemingly incapable of leaving his hometown. However, Adam is not nearly as interesting as the relations between the townfolk who resist the urge to become stereotypes and instead operate as a cohesive and fascinating ensemble. Their squabbling amongst themselves show the complexities present in even a small town, and the play seems to argue against Adam's desire to leave for Paris. Even if the town of Arras lacks the university Adam seeks, it still holds more interest that the character gives it credit for.