“Louis Jouvet? Another street named after some old dead guy!” Perhaps that’s what you are thinking. But let me tell you about Allée Louis Jouvet. This isn’t just any street. This street commemorates a man who significantly impacted French theater and cinema.
Allée Louis Jouvet is named for Jules Eugène Louis Jouvet. He was born in 1887. Jouvet wasn’t just an actor. He was also a director and a theater director. His influence spread far beyond the stage. Jouvet taught at the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique. He trained generations of actors. His students became influential worldwide. Even the founders of the Actors Studio were inspired by him. Many consider him one of the most important French actors of the 20th century.
Jouvet’s journey began far from the theater. He initially studied pharmacy. Influenced by his family he attended university in Toulouse. Later he continued his studies in Paris. He even worked in a pharmacy for a while. But his passion lay elsewhere. He dedicated his free time to the theater.
His early theatrical experiences were varied. He joined several troupes. These included Léon Noël’s troupe. He also worked with the Théâtre d’Action d’Art. He performed in the Théâtre des Arts. Later, he appeared at the Odéon and the Châtelet. Despite his dedication, he failed the entrance exam for the Conservatoire d’Art Dramatique three times.
In 1913, a turning point came. Jacques Copeau, director of the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier, hired Jouvet. There, he worked as a stage manager and decorator. He was also an assistant and finally an actor.
World War I interrupted his career. Jouvet volunteered and served as an ambulance driver and a pharmacist. After being demobilized, he rejoined the Vieux-Colombier.
After the war, the troupe went to New York. They performed at the Garrick Theatre. But success didn’t meet expectations. Tensions rose between Jouvet and Copeau. In 1920, they returned to Paris and reopened the Vieux-Colombier.
In 1922, Jouvet left Copeau. Jacques Hébertot hired him to direct the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. He also oversaw the Comédie des Champs-Élysées. Jouvet contributed to the set design of the Studio des Champs-Élysées. There he directed plays. In 1923, he achieved his first major success with “Knock ou le Triomphe de la médecine” by Jules Romains. He performed it 1500 times.
Later, Jouvet became the director of the Comédie des Champs-Élysées. He remained there until 1934. In 1928, he met Jean Giraudoux. He staged many of Giraudoux’s plays. For two years, he directed the Théâtre Pigalle. In 1934, he took over the direction of the Théâtre de l’Athénée. There he premiered “La guerre de Troie n’aura pas lieu” and “Ondine”.
During World War II, Jouvet toured Switzerland and Latin America. He later returned to Paris. He directed “La Folle de Chaillot” as a tribute to Jean Giraudoux.
After the war, he resumed his role at the Théâtre de l’Athénée. It was later renamed the Théâtre de l’Athénée Louis-Jouvet. He created “La Folle de Chaillot” there.
Louis Jouvet died in 1951. He was rehearsing “La Puissance et la Gloire” when he fell ill. He passed away in his theater. His funeral was held at the Église Saint-Sulpice. He is buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre.
Allée Louis Jouvet serves as a reminder. It honors a man of theater. A man of cinema. A man who shaped the world of acting. His legacy continues to inspire artists today.