Rodolphe Salis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodolphe Salis
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| Born | 29 May 1851 |
| Died | 20 March 1897 (aged 45) |
| Nationality | French |
| Known for | Le Chat Noir |
Louis Rodolphe Salis (29 May 1851 – 20 March 1897) was a creative French artist and businessman. He is famous for starting Le Chat Noir ("The Black Cat"). This was a special kind of nightclub called a cabaret.
Salis is known for inventing the modern cabaret. It was a place where people could sit at tables, enjoy drinks, and watch different performances on a stage. A host, called a master of ceremonies, would introduce the acts and talk with the audience.
About Rodolphe Salis
Rodolphe Salis was born in Châtellerault, France. His father made distilled spirits. In 1872, after serving in the military, Salis moved to Paris. He stayed in a hotel in the Latin Quarter, a famous area for artists and students.
Salis first tried to start an art group. He called it "L'école vibrante" (The Vibrant School). Later, he changed its name to "L'école iriso-subversive de Chicago." His group actually made religious art to sell. They painted things like "Stations of the Cross" to earn money.
Salis wanted to mix art with a place where people could relax and have drinks. He dreamed of a café that looked like an old French castle. He imagined a fancy place where artists and everyday people could enjoy special beverages.
The Black Cat Cabaret
The first "The Black Cat" (Le Chat Noir) opened in November 1881. It was a small place with two rooms. At first, it served simple drinks and didn't look very fancy. But right from the start, a person dressed as a fancy guard greeted guests. This guard was supposed to welcome artists and poets.
The place became very popular quickly. A group of young writers and artists called Les Hydropathes started meeting there. This group loved wine and beer more than water. Their old meeting place was too small, so Salis convinced them to move to Le Chat Noir. This helped make the cabaret famous.
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Le Chat Noir soon became too big for its first location. So, on June 10, 1885, Salis moved it to a new, larger building. This new place quickly became the best spot in Paris for poets and singers to perform. Le Chat Noir closed in 1896.
Salis was the host, or "emcee," of the cabaret. He introduced the acts and talked to the audience. He was known for his funny, sometimes teasing, comments to customers. He might joke with people who left early or arrived late.
Every Friday, Salis would have a special lunch. This was a time to plan performances and work on a funny magazine. Salis was known for being very careful with money. But his unique personality and way of hosting attracted many talented artists and large crowds. The idea of a bar with live entertainment was new and exciting. Salis also put a piano in his tavern, which was a new idea at the time. This gave him an advantage over other places.
People described Salis as a strong man with red hair. He had a loud, sarcastic voice. He was a great showman who knew how to attract people.
In the 1890s, Salis took his Black Cat shows on tour across France. This was not common back then. He would rent theaters and venues for his performances.
Rodolphe Salis died in Naintré in 1897.
Tributes
- In the Vienne area of France, streets in Châtellerault, Naintré, and Marigny-Brizay are named after him.
- At 18 Boulevard de Clichy in Paris, there is a plaque. It says, "Here was the tomb of the Black Cat founded by Rodolphe Salis..."
See also
In Spanish: Rodolphe Salis para niños
