Consider yourselves transported back to 1680. The air crackles with anticipation as King Louis XIV decrees the merger of Paris’s finest acting troupes. From this royal command, the Comédie-Française was born.
Known also as Le Théâtre-Français or La Maison de Molière the Comédie-Française stands as France’s national theater and the world’s oldest national theater. This is a place where theatrical history lives and breathes.
Molière, though deceased seven years prior to the Comédie-Française’s founding is its spiritual leader. His legacy permeates these halls. The Comédie-Française proudly bears the nickname “La Maison de Molière” in his honor.
The Comédie-Française’s story is intertwined with French history. The French Revolution caused divisions within the Comédie-Française company. One group established headquarters at the present home of the Comédie-Française. Another group remained at the original site as the Théâtre de la Nation.
Napoleon himself reorganized the Comédie-Française in 1812. He issued a decree that remains the basis for its operation even today. This decree primarily maintained the classical repertoire of Corneille, Racine, and Molière.
The Comédie-Française isn’t just a building. It is a permanent troupe of actors. These actors are divided into sociétaires and pensionnaires. Sociétaires are regular members receiving pensions after 20 years. Pensionnaires are paid actors who may become sociétaires.
The Comédie-Française boasts a repertoire of 3000 works. The primary venue is the Salle Richelieu. The theater also includes the théâtre du Vieux-Colombier and Studio-Théâtre.
But there is also Molière’s chair. Legend says Molière drew his last breath in it during a performance. A copy is on display. The original appears onstage once a year on Molière’s birthday.
The Comédie-Française maintains a library-museum. It holds a collection of books documents and art. While not open for general tours its treasures are sometimes loaned for exhibitions.
In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic the Comédie-Française innovated. It launched online programs including readings of Proust. These online initiatives attracted a new audience beyond Paris.
Today the Comédie-Française continues to evolve. While honoring its rich traditions it embraces new works and modern interpretations. It remains a vital force in French culture.
So as you stand before the Comédie-Française consider its enduring legacy. It is a testament to the power of theater. It is a living monument to the genius of Molière.