Arlequin roi de Serendib

Arlequin roi de Serendib is a three-act farce by Alain-René Lesage. It was first performed at the Foire Saint-Germain in 1713.

Arlequin roi de Serendib
Title plate from 1720 edition of Arlequin roi de Serendib
Written by	Alain-René Lesage
Characters	Arlequin Pierrot Mezzetin the Grand Visir the Grand Sacrificer harem girls thieves
Date premiered	1713
Place premiered	Foire Saint-Germain
Original language	French
Genre	farce
Setting	Serendib

Plot summary

After being marooned on the island of Serendib, Pierrot and Mezzetin are separated from Arlequin. Pierrot and Mezzetin, being familiar with the customs of the island, disguise themselves as women to avoid being killed and are appointed priestesses by the natives. Arlequin, on the other hand, allows himself to be captured, and the natives crown him king. Arlequin enjoys some of the perks of kingship, including fancy meals, a formal portrait sitting, concubines, and a personal physician, before he discovers that the natives sacrifice their kings to their gods.

Before the sacrifice, however, Mezzetin creates a diversion, as he too would like to escape from Serendib where he is being courted by the Grand Visir. Mezzetin, Pierrot, and Arlequin escape to Paris.

Characters

• Arlequin, king of Serendib
• Mezzetin, disguised as the grand priestess
• Pierrot, disguised as her confidente
• The Grand Visir
• The Grand Sacrificer
• A Painter
• A Doctor
• Harem girls
• A Greek girl

External links

• Arlequin roi de Serendib at Gallica