Comédie-Française facts for kids
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Principal theatre of the Comédie-Française, the Salle Richelieu, seen from the intersection of the Rue de Richelieu with the Avenue de l'Opéra
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| Founded | 1680 |
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| Founder | Louis XIV |
| Purpose | Theatre company |
| Headquarters | 2 Rue de Richelieu, 1st arrondissement of Paris, France |
| Website | www.comedie-francaise.fr |
The Comédie-Française (pronounced "Koh-meh-dee Frahn-sez") is one of France's official national theatres. It was started in 1680, making it the oldest theatre company in the world that is still active today. Since 1995, it has been run by the French government. It is the only state theatre in France with its own group of actors who work there all the time.
The main place where the Comédie-Française performs is called the Salle Richelieu. This theatre is part of the Palais-Royal complex in Paris. People also know the theatre as "La Maison de Molière" (The House of Molière). This name comes from Molière, a very famous French playwright. Even though Molière died seven years before the company got its official name, he was seen as the special protector of French actors.
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History of the Comédie-Française
The Comédie-Française began on August 8, 1680. This happened because Louis XIV, the King of France, ordered two theatre groups in Paris to join together. These groups were the troupe from the Guénégaud Theatre and the troupe from the Hôtel de Bourgogne.
Before this, in 1673, Molière had died. His group had already joined with another theatre group called the Théâtre du Marais. Two years later, they received money from the King. Seven years after that, they were given their current name. This means the Comédie-Française has a long history that goes all the way back to Molière's time.
The company's first show was on August 25, 1680, at the Guénégaud theatre. Famous actors like Molière's wife, Armande Béjart, were part of this first group. The plays they performed were mostly by Molière and Jean Racine. They also showed some works by other writers like Pierre Corneille.
In the 1700s, rich French families often enjoyed going to the Comédie-Française. This was because tickets to the theatre were quite expensive.
During the French Revolution in 1789, there were big arguments among the actors. This was after a play called Charles IX by Joseph Chénier was performed. This play was against the King. The actors split into two groups. One group, who supported the new French Republic, started a new theatre. It was called the "Théâtre de la République." The other group, who supported the King, called themselves the "Théâtre de la Nation."
On September 3, 1793, during the French Revolution, the government closed the Théâtre de la Nation. This happened because they performed a play called Pamela, which was thought to be rebellious. The actors were put in prison, but they were slowly set free later. On May 31, 1799, the new government allowed the actors to use the Salle Richelieu again. This let the theatre company start up once more.
Today, the Comédie-Française has about 3,000 plays in its collection. It uses three different theatres in Paris. These are the Salle Richelieu, the théâtre du Vieux-Colombier, and the Studio-Théâtre.
Comédie-Française During COVID-19
In October 2020, like all other theatres in France, the Comédie-Française had to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Comédie-Française has its own group of actors, they decided to start online shows.
They began reading the full text of a famous book called In Search of Lost Time online. They also started something called Théâtre à la table. For this, actors would practice a play for one week and then perform it online.
Many people watched these online shows, even people from outside Paris and other countries. In May 2021, the director, Éric Ruf, said that 30% of the online audience had never been to the Comédie-Française before. He also said they would keep offering online shows even after the theatres reopened.
Theatre Buildings
The Comédie-Française has been in several different buildings since it started in 1680. It began in the Salle Guénégaud. In 1689, it moved to a theatre across from the Café Procope. From 1770 to 1782, the company performed in the theatre inside the royal palace of the Tuileries.
In 1782, the company moved to the Salle du Faubourg Saint-Germain. This building was designed by architects Marie-Joseph Peyre and Charles De Wailly. It was located where the Odéon theatre is today. Since 1799, the Comédie-Française has been in the Salle Richelieu. This theatre was made bigger and changed in the 1800s. It was rebuilt in 1900 after a big fire. Sadly, the actress Jane Henriot was the only person who died in that fire.
Theatrical Troupe
The actors in the Comédie-Française are divided into two groups: "sociétaires" and "pensionnaires." Sociétaires are like permanent members of the theatre. After working for 20 years, they get a retirement payment. Pensionnaires are paid actors who work there for a while. After some time, they might become sociétaires. Many of France's greatest actors and writers have been part of the Comédie-Française at some point in their careers.
Administrators of the Comédie-Française
The main person in charge of the Comédie-Française is called the administrateur général. This title has been used since 1850. Before that, different names were used for the role.
See also
- Troupe of the Comédie-Française in 1680
- Battle of Hernani
In Spanish: Comédie-Française para niños
Images for kids
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Comédie-Française, late 18th century
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A performance of Marivaux's La Double Inconstance in 2015
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Iconic corner, entry to the Salle Richelieu, 2009
