Dialogues des Carmélite

AKA: Dialogues of the Carmelites

Composed by Francis Poulenc

Libretto by Georges Bernanos

First Performed : In Italian, Jan. 26, 1957 at La Scala, Milan

Cast of Characters

• Blanche de la Force, Daughter of Le Marquis de la Force and later Sister Blanche of the Agony of Christ
• Madame Lidoine, New Mother Superior of the Carmelites
• Madame de Croissy, Mother Superior (first) of the Carmelites
• Sister Constance, a very young Carmelite nun
• Mother Marie, Carmelite nun
• Le Marquis de la Force, Blanche's father and French aristocrat
• Le Chavalier de la Force, Blanche's brother
• Mother Jeanne, Carmelite nun
• Sister Mathilde, Carmelite nun
• The Chaplain
• The jailor
• The officer
• First Commissioner
• Second Commissioner
• Thierry, de la Force footman
• M. Javelinot, Madame de Croissy's doctor

Synopsis

Jump to: Act I, Act II, Act III

Act I

The library of the Marquis de la Force, April, 1789. As the Marquis naps in his chair, his son, the Chevalier, abruptly enters and wakes his father by asking about his sister's whereabouts. The Chevalier explains that riotous peasants on their way to burn an effigy in front of a nobleman's house are reported to have surrounded Blanche's carriage. The Marquis, who was at first likely to dismiss the mob as drunks who will quickly have their heads turned by something else, recalls how--at the wedding of the Dauphin twenty years ago--his coach, with his pregnant wife inside, was surrounded by a mob. They escaped, only to have the Marquis' wife die that night while giving birth to Blanche. The Marquis shakes himself from his reverie by noting that he has good horses and a fine, loyal driver and that Blanche should come to no harm. The Chevalier remarks that although Blanche may not come to physical harm, she is vulnerable to terror that "destroys her soul even as rot destroys the fruit." Her terror, he says, while masked well, endangers her life. The Marquis laughs off his comments, saying that all Blanche needs is a happy marriage.

Blanche enters, perhaps having heard the end of the men's conversation. She describes the mob, and when her brother says that a witness described her as calm and courageous, hints at the terror that she felt. She then stops herself, claiming the service at the Carmelite convent was long and exhausting and excuses herself to retire to her bedroom until dinner. The Chevalier suggests that she have one of the servants light her way to her bedroom, remembering that, as child frightened of shadows, she told him, "I die every night, only to be born again next morning." To which she replies, "There has only been one morning of Resurrection, dear Brother, that of Easter. But every night of one's life is like the night of the Agony of Christ." She leaves her brother and father baffled as to what she means, and the Chevalier excuses himself to check on the horses. The Marquis resumes his nap, only to be awakened by a cry of terror. Thierry, the footman, enters and explains that Blanche entered the room as he was lighting the candles and that his shadow must have frightened her. Blanche enters, the Marquis attempts to laugh off the moment, only to have Blanche declare her intention to become a nun. Stunned, the Marquis attempts to talk her out of it, only to be told that "For me (Blanche) the world is very strange, like an alien place in which I cannot live. I am quite unable to bear the strain, the fearful noise, the excitement. If my nerves were only spared the attempt, then you would see all I could accomplish." The scene ends as her father gives his reluctant permission and Blance renounces the world so that God may restore her to grace.

In the parlour of the Carmelite convent at Compiegne, Blanche discusses her resolution with the Mother Superior, Madame de Croissy. M. de Croissy notes that she is becoming older, and more in need of certain comforts, at which Blanche notes that it must be wonderful to be so far along the road of detachment that one is not tempted to go back. M. de Croissy replies that, while the goal of the house is detachment, the nun must free herself of her own detachment as well. When Blanche says that she wants to become a nun in order to lead a heroic life, the mother superior disabuses her of the notion, explaining that the convent is "only a house of prayer" and not a place to mortify the soul or safeguard human virtue. She warns that Blanche faces difficult trials and the Lord will test her weakness, and not her strength, and that the Order is not a refuge. Blanche assumes the name, Sister Blance of the Agony of Christ.

In the workroom of the convent, Blanche talks with Sister Constance about the growing social unrest and M. de Croissy's illness. She rebukes Constance, who chatters gaily about her brother's wedding and finds life amusing. Constance sobers in the face of Blanche's disapproving piety and suggests that they offer their lives for that of M. de Croissy's. She says that she knows that she will die young and with Blanche. Horrified, Blanche accuses her of pride, and Constance, startled by Blanche's vehemence, apologizes.

A cell in the infirmary. M. de Croissy, close to death, speaks with Mother Marie of her approaching death. In her pain, she yet seeks to protect Blanche, recognizing her as the weakest of the sisters. She formally entrusts Blanche to Mother Marie's care, noting that Blanche lacks firmness and clarity of judgment and character. Blanche then enters, to receive a final blessing from M. de Croissy that she remain pliant in the hands of God and not despise herself. Blanche leaves, and M. de Croissy begs M. Javelinot--the doctor--to give her more medication so that she can say goodbye to the community. He refuses, as it would endanger her further, Upset, the mother superior laments that she cannot appear as she does to her daughters. When Mother Marie tells her not to worry about the nuns and that her only concern should be with God, M. de Croissy replies, "Who am I, wretched as I am at this moment, to concern myself with Him! Let Him first concern Himself with me!" Shocked, Mother Marie says that she is delirious and says that the sisters should not see her in this state. Suddenly, M. de Croissy sits up in bed, and in a voice hoarse with horror, says, "I just saw our Chapel empty and desecrated--the altar split in two. There was straw and blood on the ground ... Alas! God forsakes us, God has abandoned us!" Mother Marie is appalled and begs her to say nothing more. Blanche appears at the door, and M. de Croissy gestures to her to approach, even as Mother Marie insists that none should see her. The mother superior's final words to Blanche are, "Beg forgiveness ... death ... fear ... fear of death ..." before she falls dead. Blanche falls sobbing to the floor.

Act II

In the chapel M. de Croissy lies in state as night falls. Blanche and Sister Constance stand watch over the deceased. When the clock strikes, Constance leaves to find those who replace her. Blanche tries to pray, but seeing the corpse, is overcome by fear and begins to leave. Mother Marie appears and reprimands her for leaving before her replacement arrives. At first Mother Marie begins to reprimand her for her fear, but then decides to excuse Blanche from further prayers so that she might sleep and face her failure the next day with sorrow instead of shame.

Constance and Blanche discuss Constance's hope that Mother Marie will be named the next mother superior. When Blanche reprimands her for assuming that God will act according to her wishes, Constance replies that "what goes by the name of chance is perhaps only the logic of God". She then says that M. de Croissy's death--so agonizing and full of pain--belonged to another as the death was "much too small for her". When Blanche asks what she means, Constance presciently replies, "It means, that someone else, when it will be his turn to die, will be surprised that he finds it so easy, and that it feels so comfortable. We do not die for ourselves alone, but for each other. Or sometimes even instead of each other."

In the chapter room, the new mother superior, M. Lidoine, speaks to the sisters, reminding them that the duty of the house is one of prayer and that they should not seek further glory in the uncertain times. For "we must distrust even the joy of martyrs. Prayer is a duty--martyrdom a reward." Mother Marie, not entirely pleased with M. Lidoine's attitude, asks the nuns to kneel and pray and the community sings the beautiful Ave Maria.

In the parlour, the Chevalier awaits Blanche to say goodbye before he goes abroad. She enters with Mother Marie, who is present at M. Lidoine's request. The Chevalier has come to take Blanche from the convent, as both he and their father fear for her safety in the growing social unrest. She refuses, and they end up arguing after the Chevalier comments on her distance. Blanche defensively asks if he thinks she remains at the convent out of fear, to which he replies, "Or by your fear of fear. After all, this fear is hardly nobler than any other. You have to run the risk of fear, as you run the risk of death. True courage lies in taking just this risk." Blanche retorts that she is merely the "helpless and innocent victim of Almighty God." The Chevalier attempts to apologize, but Blanche accuses him of attempting to poison her mind with doubt. As he turns to leave, Blanche tells him that they both have their own battles to fight, and that hers has its risks and dangers. The Chevalier leaves, still clearly skeptical. Blanche then tells Mother Marie that she has lied because she could not bear his pity and contempt. Mother Marie tells her that the only way for her to humble her pride is to rise above it and have courage.

In the sacristy of the convent, the Chaplain informs the sisters that this will be the last Mass he can perform as the new republic has forbidden priests to practice their religion. Blanche asks what will become of him, and he tells her not to worry, that there are places that he can hide and that he will return to them whenever he can. When Constance asks how priests can be hounded like this, "Have the French become such cowards?", Mother Marie notes that, "They are afraid. Everyone is afraid. They infect one another with their panic." Blanche murmurs that fear may very well be an illness. M. Lidoine says that when there are not priests enough, there are plenty of martyrs, and "the balance of grace is thereby soon restored." Mother Marie fervently says that, "I feel certain that the Holy Ghost has just spoken through the mouth of Her Reverence. So that France may once again have priests, the daughters of Carmel have only to give their lives." M. Lidoine quickly and firmly says that Mother Marie misheard or misunderstood her, and "it is not for us to decide if our humble names shall one day be inscribed among the martyrs." Suddenly, the bell rings, and the Chaplain rushes in. The mob and soldiers approach, and had no option but to return to the convent and escape through another exit. The crowd demands entrance and the commissioners announce that all religious houses must be evacuated so that they can be put up for sale by the government. Furthermore, the nuns must give up their religious garb. Mother Marie remarks that the sisters will remain humble and devoted servants. When the commissioner says that the people have no need of servants, she replies, "But they have great need for martyrs" and that "to live is nothing when life is thoroughly debased." The commissioner, secretly in sympathy with the Carmelites, promises to lead the crowd away for now. It is announced that M. Lidoine must go to Paris, apparently to confer with other members of the Order. Sister Jeanne gives Blanche a statue of the Little King of Glory, hoping that it will give her hope and courage. When Blanche remarks how little and frail he is, Mother Marie says, "He may be little, and yet how strong." Startled by the mob's cries, Blanche drops the Little King, which shatters at her feet. Terrified, she cries, "the Little King is dead! And we have nothing left .. but the Lamb of God."

Act III

In the desecrated chapel, strewn with straw and plaster, Mother Marie informs the Chaplain that the Carmelites wish to take the vow of martyrdom in M. Lidoine's absence. Mother Marie addresses the Carmelites, who respond unenthusiastically to her suggestion of martyrdom. She says that they will assume the vow only if it is a unanimous decision. One by one, the sisters approach the Chaplain behind the altar to tell the Chaplain whetheer they assent. Constance watches Blanche, who appears haggard and upset. When Mother Marie announces that there was one vote against the decision (and that that was enough), Sister Mathilde says to her neighbor, "We know who it was." Constance, to protect Blanche, suddenly cries out that it was she, but that if the Chaplain accepts, she would like to take the vow. The Chaplain agrees, and asks each nun to step forward to take the vow. Constance and Blanche are first. They take the vow side by side, but as the others kneel to take it, Blanche flees.

M. Lidoine, who has rejoined the sisters, leads them as they are now dressed in civilian clothes. Soldiers warn them that, while they are behaving themselves satisfactorily, they are being watched. M. Lidoine tells Mother Marie to inform the Chaplain not to come to perform Mass, as it would be too dangerous for both him and them. Before she leaves, Mother Marie says that she must follow M. Lidoine's instructions, but that, alluding to the vow of martyrdom, if she was wrong to act as she had done (by encouraging the others to take the vow), it is done. She leaves, asking, "Can we reconcile the spirit of our vow with all this caution?" M. Lidoine tells the nuns that, while they must each answer to God for their individual vow, she must answer to Him for all of them, and that she will do her best to protect them from the consequences of their vow.

In the library of the Marquis, which has been pillaged, Blanche stirs a pot at the fireplace. Mother Marie enters and tells her that she has come to bring Blanche back to the sisters. Blanche refuses, saying that she will return later, but Mother Marie says that time is running out. Blanche admits that she is afraid, and thinks herself safer where she is. She then cries out that her stew is burning and begins to sob. Mother Marie rescues the dinner and asks why Blanche is sobbing. Blanche replies that "fear is not a sin against God. I was born in fear, I have lived in fear, and I still do. All the world despises fear--so it only right that I should be despised." she then tells Mother Marie that her father was guillotined the week before. Mother Marie replies that the greatest misfortune is not to be despised but to despise oneself. Then, calling on the novice as Sister Blanche of the Agony of Christ, Mother Marie tells her the name and address of someone in Paris with whom she would be completely safe. Blanche refuses to go, even as Mother Marie says that she knows that she will. Suddenly, a woman offstage asks if Blanche has finished her work, and Blanche runs of the room. Stunned by what she has seen, Mother Marie leaves.

In a prison cell at the Conciergerie, the Carmelites wait with M. Lidoine. She tells them that their first day in prison was the hardest, and that, even though the sisters had taken the vow of martyrdom in her absence, she now willingly assumes it with them, but that they shall have the glory and she will assume all the burden of it. When Constance asks about Blanche, M. Lidoine says that she doesn't know what has happened to her. Constance confidently states that Blanche will return to them, but is laughed at by the other sisters when she reveals that she knows this because of a dream. Suddenly, the jailer enters and reads off each name, telling them that they have been convicted and sentenced to die on the guillotine. M .Lidoine says that, while she wished to spare them death, they must now resign themselves to it and assume their vow. She blesses them.

The Chaplain and Mother Marie meet on a street, where he tells her that the sisters have been condemned to death. Mother Marie insists that she must die with them, but the Chaplain tells her that God rejects or chooses whom he pleases. Mother Marie cries out that she is dishonoured and that "at the last their gaze will seek me in vain." The Chaplain reproves her to think only of God.

At the Place de Revolution, the Parisians wait by the guillotine. The Carmelites enter, and in what has become the famours closing scene, begin to sing the Salve Regina. They falter as first M. Lidoine meets the blade, but then resume with greater strength. As each nun disappears, the chorus is reduced. Finally, only one voice is left, that of Constance. As she sings, "O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria", she sees Blanche. She stops singing for a brief moment, her face radiant with happiness, but then begins again and resumes her journey to the scaffold. As her voice is stilled, Blanche steps from the crowd, completely calm. Stupefied, the crowd watches as she sings the last four verses of the Veni Creator while walking towards the guillotine. Suddenly, her singing ceases and the crowd begins to disperse.