Le théâtre français de contestation sociale autour de 1900 : l’exemple de Dégénérés ! de Michel Provins
“The French Theatre of Social Protest around 1900: the Example of Degenerates! by Michel Provins”

Summary/Abstract: Degenerates! by Michel Provins is a particular work in the repertoire of the French theatre of social protest. Inspired by the medical treatises on cases of “degeneration”, the playwright decides to paint the portraits of selfish and perverse bourgeois who, instead of fulfilling their obligations to society, get bogged down in a life of debauchery. The writer expresses his sincere contempt for morally bankrupt elites who contribute to the degradation of the whole nation. First of all, he castigates politicians who make a career out of the poor, then he denigrates businessmen and bankers who enrich themselves outrageously by speculation, and finally, he attacks the artists and writers who propagate devastating vices for public health. Despite his virulent language, Provins does not think of allying with the anarchists, he wants to stir the consciences in order to regenerate humanity.

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