A Letter from Paris

Abstract

THE LAST TWO SEASONSl brought important innovations in the theatrical life of Paris. Bold accomplishments attracted attention in the realm of staging as well as in that of dramatic literature,at the same time as the structure and activity of the national theatres were modified by the new political regime. The Opera, the ComMie Fran9aise and the Odeon have in fact seen the beginning of a new stage in their long history. The direction of the Opera was entrusted to A. M. Julien, who had succeeded brilliantly as organizer of the International Paris Festival, then of the Theatre des Nations, where he had given an important place to operatic performances. Carmen, which had only been performed at the Opera Comique, was staged with great plastic richness and precision by Raymond Rouleau. Hundreds of "supers," as well as live horses, mules and monkeys move about the immense stage of the Opera. The ComMie Fran9aise has undergone a crisis involving many vicissitudes which have roused a great deal of comment in the press. The Minister of Cultural Affairs, M. Andre Malraux, appointed as new Administrator a diplomat, ~L de Boisanger. He also decided to take from the Comedie Fran9aise its second house, the Salle Luxembourg, formerly the Odeon, in order to make of it a separate theatre, called the Theatre de France and entrusted to the direction of Jean-Louis Barrault. Last of all, he increased the authority of the Administrator named by the government, reducing the powers of the Committee representing the societaires (actor-shareholders); as a matter of fact, these latter have, since 1680, formed a society which by itself administers a theatrical enterprise which receives financial aid from the State. This new orientation naturally prov9ked discontent among the actors. The most regrettable consequence was the resignation of Jean Meyer, who, by his activity and his talent as director, had for many years dominated the productions of the Comedie Fran9aise. Finally, early in 1960, for reasons which are not clearly understood, M. Malraux revoked the powers of M. Boisanger, who had been the executant of his policy. The latter has appealed to the Council of State against a