This play in five acts was presented by Hugo and the theatre company of the Renaissance in the salle Ventadour, November 8, 1838. Though considered by many critics to be Hugo’s best play, Ruy Blas initially met only average success.
The action takes place in 17th century Spain during the reign of Charles II. Ruy Blas, an indentured commoner and poet falls in love with the Queen. As is typical with Hugo, the play is a thinly veiled cry for political reform.