The Marriage of Figaro is often more recognized for the popular opera adapted by Wolfgang Mozart than for the original stage play written by the French playwright, Beaumarchais, however the original play was both influential and radical for its time. The French courtier and playwright Beaumarchais, writing at the eve of Revolution in France, continued to cause controversy and criticism for his seemingly harmless comedies. Beaumarchais, known for his independence of thought and continual criticism of the French government under the Bourbon kings, fought courageously against court censorship and the powers that ruled the playhouses in Paris during the late 18th Century. The Marriage of Figaro is filled with references to a decadent and corrupt nobility, and so reflected the popular opinion of many towards the French nobility and French King that Louis XVI had the play banned. Eventually Beaumarchais was able to get the work performed, but only after five years of bitter struggle with the censor board. The play is about the upcoming marriage of Susannah and her fiancé, Figaro who are servants in the household of the Count and Countess. The bitterly disputed rights of the Seigneur of the manor to have sex with every maid on his estate before their wedding nights had been out of practice for many years; however, the lustful Count decides to bring it back so that he may consummate his desire for the lovely Susannah. Susannah and her Figaro are deeply distressed by the Seigneur’s decision, and approach the Countess for her help. After many intrigues and ploys between Susannah and the Countess, the Seigneur of the estate is foiled in his attempts at seduction and the play ends happily; and yet, the criticism on the abusive power of the French nobility remains blatantly obvious for the French public and the play held many concerns among the king and his governing politicians.