La Ville dont le prince est un enfant (play)

La Ville dont le prince est un enfant is a play written by French playwright Henry de Montherlant. First performed in 1951, it explores themes of adolescence, mentorship, and the potential for inappropriate relationships within the hierarchical structure of a Catholic boarding school.

The play centers around the interactions between a sensitive young boy, Sevrais, and his older, more experienced mentor, the prefect Souplier. Souplier's intense interest in Sevrais raises questions about the nature of his affection and the potential for abuse of power. Another student, Desarthis, adds a layer of complexity to the dynamic, creating a love triangle and further fueling the drama.

Montherlant's work delves into the ambiguities of human desire and the destructive consequences that can arise when boundaries are blurred and innocent affection is distorted. The play is known for its intense psychological drama and its exploration of complex moral issues. La Ville dont le prince est un enfant has been widely performed and adapted for television and film, solidifying its place as a significant work of 20th-century French theatre. The title translates to "The City Where the Prince is a Child." The setting, the boarding school, acts as this symbolic "city" ruled by individuals who, despite their positions of authority, are still grappling with their own youthful desires and vulnerabilities.