Esther is the name of a play in three acts written in 1689 by the French dramatist,
Jean Racine. It premiered on
January 26, 1689, performed by the pupils of St. Cyr, an educational institute for young girls of noble birth.From the 1876 translation of Caroline Andrews: In the reign of
Louis XIV, a seminary for young ladies was founded at St. Cyr, at the persuasion of Madame Maintenon, who gave her entire attention to the education of 250 noble young ladies; who were educated free of expense until their 20th year. Racine was requested to compose a poem suitable for their instruction and amusement, and he proposed the subject of
Esther; which he dramatized to the satisfaction of teachers and pupils, and which they declaimed and chanted with so much grace and modesty, that this little drama, intended only for the benefit of young pupils, became the admiration of king and court. Grand lords saw and applauded. As the translator has followed closely the original, she hopes to recommend the same to the attention of lady educators. And knowing that the
Jews in the celebration of their
Purim always read the books of
Esther, it is thought the rehearsal of this drama might make a deeper impression on the minds of their youth and contribute to their entertainment.
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