Description

The supper scene takes place in Paris on July 6, 1815 at midnight, just before Louis XVIII returned to power after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.<div> Fouché accepted Talleyrand's invitation to discuss business. Paris was occupied by the allied British and Russian troops. The question of what form of government to give France was being debated. Outside, rioters were being contained with difficulty by the city's security forces.</div><div> Fouché believes that a return to the republic is necessary. Talleyrand, however, believes that the monarchy must be restored; but to achieve this, he needs the support of Fouché, currently president of the provisional government, who controls the city of Paris.</div><div><br></div><div> This elegant supper provides the opportunity to convince him that Louis XVIII's return to the throne is the only viable solution. Between courses, the two high-ranking officials reveal, often in veiled terms, their crimes, betrayals, and intrigues. Lifelong sworn enemies, these two political sharks, devoid of scruples and thirsting for power, have managed to make themselves indispensable to every regime. But that evening, to protect their interests once again, they have no choice but to join forces and overcome years of betrayal and mutual hatred. Surrounded by silverware and velvet, amidst artichoke hearts with ravigote sauce, truffled foie gras, and champagne, the two powerful figures size each other up, clash, and prepare, entirely to their own advantage, a new rendezvous with history.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>