Vauban show
A man, a place, our story
Imagine Arras in the 17th century. Here you are at the market, amongst the peasants, craftsmen and nobility. But danger looms over this beautiful city, which is soon to be besieged by the Spanish. To protect his kingdom, King Louis XIV enlists the services of a strategist: Sébastien Le Prestre, Marquis de Vauban.
Through a plot punctuated by breathtaking scenes, discover the story of the Marquis de Vauban. How did this rebel become the engineer entrusted with the defence of the Kingdom of France? What does the Pays d’Artois owe to this humanist?
From the Spanish siege of Arras to the construction of the Citadel, colourful characters, choreographed scenes, thrilling battles, numerous horses, cannon fire, flamboyant costumes and a carriage will transport you to a world outside of time. All set to an original score by Gilles Prevel, performed by the Vauban Orchestra and its 50 musicians.
Keep your eyes peeled – you’ll come across famous figures and witness iconic moments from the era of the Sun King throughout this tribute to the architect of the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Focus
The key characters in our story
Vauban
Sébastien Le Prestre, Marquis de Vauban, was a famous 17th-century military engineer. He is known for having designed and improved numerous fortifications in France whilst in the service of King Louis XIV.
In Arras, he modernised the city walls and built the Citadel. This fortress, nicknamed ‘the beautiful but useless one’, served not only to protect the city but also to assert the king’s authority. Thanks to his work, Arras became a strategic stronghold of the kingdom.
Louis XIV
Louis XIV, surnommé le Roi-Soleil, est l’un des rois les plus célèbres de France. Il a régné de 1643 à 1715 et a renforcé le pouvoir royal en instaurant une monarchie absolue.
In Arras, his role was linked to the city’s integration into the Kingdom of France. Following its conquest in 1640, Louis XIV sought to secure this strategic region close to the borders. He therefore entrusted Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban with the task of fortifying the city.
Mazarin
As Prime Minister to Louis XIV, he was responsible for leading the campaign to reconquer northern France. He was one of the key figures behind the recapture of Arras in 1654, coordinating diplomatic and military efforts against Spain.
Louvois
As Minister of War under Louis XIV, he supported Vauban in his fortification projects. He played a key role in the kingdom’s military organisation, as Arras was a strategic stronghold in the north of the country.
La Fontaine
La Fontaine is today the best-known of the 17th-century French poets, and in his own time he was, if not the most admired, at least the most widely read, thanks in particular to his *Contes* and *Fables*. A moralist, rather than a moraliser, he uses animals as characters to skilfully criticise humankind, offering a clear-sighted view of power relations and human nature.
Jeanne
In the play, Jeanne is a nurse who cares for the people. Following a battle, she tends to the Marquis de Vauban, who has been wounded in the cheek by a musket ball. Her character, a tribute to the role of women in society, is inspired by Jeanne d’Aulnay.
Born into the nobility, Jeanne d’Aulnay married Vauban in 1660. Their marriage enabled Vauban to strengthen his social standing. Whilst her husband travelled extensively for his military work, she managed the family’s estates and looked after their estate. She therefore played an important role in his life, even though she remains less well known than he does.
Hyppolyte
Hippolyte is the narrator of our story. An old friend of Vauban’s, whom he accompanied on his military campaigns, he takes us on a journey through time, recounting the man’s life and the legacy he left behind.
So, are you looking forward to travelling back in time with us?
Book your ticket now!
Choose your seat and enjoy a prime spot.
Please note that the Friday and Saturday sessions at 6 pm fill up very quickly!
