What Is the Story of La Bete?
La Bete is set in a stunning palace in 17th century France, where Elomire, the intellectual head playwright of the castle’s resident acting troupe, is told by the court’s Princess that he must meet with Valere, a local clown the Princess discovered performing in the streets. She believes Valere would make a perfect addition to the acting troupe to help lighten their often overly dramatic works and provide more public appeal. Elomire is disgusted by the idiotic and often vulgar antics of Valere, whom he believes would ruin the troupe’s reputation should he join. The Princess is not pleased to hear Elomire’s contradictions and demands he give Valere a second chance to prove his talents. She then orders Valere to perform his own works in order to decide who should stay and who should go.