About the work
A five-act prose drama by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, first performed on 29 January 1767 at the Comédie-Française. The premiere had earlier been postponed due to the illness of lead actor Préville.
Plot
In London, young Eugénie is expecting a child by Lord Clarendon, to whom she believes herself secretly married. When the earl seeks a socially advantageous match instead, a duel with her brother follows, until he finally acknowledges Eugénie and their child.
Cultural significance
After a lukewarm reception due to its length, the play succeeded following a two-day revision and remained Beaumarchais's best-known stage work until "The Barber of Seville". As early as the 18th century it was also performed at German-language theatres, such as the Munich electoral court theatre, under the title "Eugenie".