Subject
Theater -- France -- History Books
Best books
Albert Du Casse
Histoire Anecdotique de l'Ancien Théâtre en France, Tome Second Théâtre-Français, Opéra, Opéra-Comique, Théâtre-Italien, Vaudeville, Théâtres forains, etc...
"Histoire Anecdotique de l'Ancien Théâtre en France, Tome Second" by Albert Du Casse is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work primarily discusses the evolution of French theater, particularly focusing on the dramatic arts from ancient times to the pre-Molière period. It examines various playwrights, genres, and the cultural context surrounding early French comedy and tragedy, providing a comprehensive look at the theatrical landscape of the time. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of comedic traditions in France before the arrival of Molière, emphasizing the importance of comedy as a means of moral critique through humor and ridicule. The text reflects on the gradual development of comedic forms, showcasing prominent early playwrights and their works, while also highlighting the societal norms that influenced their creation. The narrative discusses comedic characteristics, such as the "comédie de caractère" and "comédie d'intrigue," intertwined with anecdotes about the authors and their contributions, setting a detailed historical context for the reader.
Gaston Maugras
Les comédiens hors la loi
"Les comédiens hors la loi" by Gaston Maugras is a historical account written in the late 19th century. It investigates why actors were long treated as socially and religiously suspect, tracing their status from sacred ritual origins through Roman infamy, Christian condemnation, medieval liturgy, and modern rehabilitation. Drawing on councils, laws, and vivid episodes, it clarifies how prejudice formed, persisted, and waned. This study will appeal to readers interested in theater history, church–state relations, and shifting cultural norms. The opening of the work frames the subject with the 1884 Saint‑Roch mass honoring Corneille, contrasted with the punishment of a Paris curé for a similar service in 1763, and cites a lively press debate to show how misunderstood the Church’s treatment of actors remains. The author sets out his plan to survey actors’ legal and religious status from Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, listing key sources. He first shows the stage arising from religious rites—honored in Greece—then becoming infamous at Rome as performances passed to slaves and to mass entertainments of the circus, mimes, and pantomimes, despite their continuing pagan-sacral character and imperial favor. He then explains the early Church’s rationale for condemning spectacles and denying sacraments to performers unless they quit the stage, notes emperors’ mixed measures (including Justinian’s permission for converts to leave the profession), and describes the decline of theaters in the West under barbarian invasions while they endured in the East. Finally, the narrative sketches the medieval revival of drama within churches—liturgical plays for major feasts alongside the unruly Feast of Fools—before the excerpt breaks off.
Albert Du Casse
Histoire anecdotique de l'Ancien Théâtre en France, Tome Premier Théâtre-Français, Opéra, Opéra-Comique, Théâtre-Italien, Vaudeville, Théâtres forains, etc...
"Histoire anecdotique de l'Ancien Théâtre en France, Tome Premier" by Albert Du Casse is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work delves into the origins and evolution of theater in France, spanning from its inception in the early 15th century through the complexities of the French dramatic tradition. The book explores the themes, characters, styles, and notable authors of both religious and secular plays, painting a vivid picture of the theatrical landscape of the time. At the start of the text, the author sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the French theater's origins, beginning in 1402 with the establishment of the Confrères de la Passion. Du Casse describes various forms of dramatic presentations, including the Mystères and Moralités, offering anecdotes and analyses of significant pieces and their impact. He highlights key figures and shifts in public taste over the centuries, showcasing how the theatrical genre evolved from religious narratives to include more secular and comedic elements, reflecting broader cultural changes in society.
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