As Edward’s Boys and the Institute for research on the Renaissance, the Neoclassical Age and the Enlightenment (IRCL) in Montpellier celebrate their ten-year partnership in 2026, I would like to emphasise the long-term impact of this collaboration. Created and directed by Perry Mills, the Company has played a major role in our applied Shakespeare programme, also launched in 2016. Over the years, Edward’s Boys have performed for the secondary schools we work with, the university and the general public, led theatre workshops, captivated their audiences and sparked a lot of questions. Above all, they have inspired many groups of young students who could see how their amazing productions were grounded on teamwork, mentorship, precision and method, and above all, on the sheer pleasure of community building. Prompted by such an inspiring model, an all-female school company was born this year, « Les Audacieuses », who, as the name they have given themselves implies, offer boldly to follow the path opened up by Edward’s Boys!
Montpellier, 5th May 2026
Professor Florence March
Professeur de Littérature et Théâtre britanniques XVIe-XVIIe à l’Université de Montpellier
Paul-Valéry
Directrice IRCL
Vice-présidente Recherche de la Société d’Etudes Anglo-Américaines des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles
