I stumbled upon this little French play from 1901, and it was such a delightful surprise. It’s short, clever, and feels incredibly modern in its setup.

The Story

A nervous playwright has a big problem: he’s not sure if his new comedy is actually funny. So, he comes up with a plan. He hires a woman, the 'essayeuse' of the title, to be a one-woman test audience. Her job is simple: sit in his study, listen to him read the play aloud, and react honestly. No pretending. If she laughs, he knows he's got a hit. If she doesn't... well, that's where the comedy really begins. We watch as his confidence crumbles line by line, based entirely on her silent, and then not-so-silent, reactions.

Why You Should Read It

What I loved is how this simple scene says so much. It’s not just about theater; it’s about that universal fear of putting your work out there. Veber captures the playwright's fragile ego perfectly—one minute he’s a genius, the next he’s ready to burn the manuscript. The 'essayeuse' herself is fantastic. She starts as a quiet employee but slowly gains power as she holds the fate of his play in her hands. It’s a funny and subtle look at class, gender, and who really gets to judge art.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who enjoys clever, character-driven comedy. It’s a great pick for theater lovers, of course, but also for anyone who’s ever created something and dreaded the feedback. It’s a short, satisfying read that proves a good premise and sharp dialogue never go out of style. Think of it as a historical episode of a really smart sitcom—you’ll breeze through it with a smile.