1 French Theatre to 1700 (Historical Background) From 1494 on, France maintained close relationships with Italian states and even controlled several of them. As a result, the Italian Renaissance had major influences on French culture. This was accelerated by King Henri II, who married Catherine de’Medici (an extremely wealthy and influential Italian family). During the 16th century, France became the center of religious wars between the Roman Catholics and the Huguenots (Protestants). France was in relative turmoil until about 1660 due to this conflict. Royal power was firmly reestablished with King Louis XIV, who moved the seat of government to Versailles. His policies led to the French Revolution 100 years later. King Henri II and Catherine de’Medici. Image: http://www.kleio.org/en/history/famtree/vip/abb40x/?gallery 1

French Theatre to 1700 (Historical Background) Around 1540, classical plays and critical essays began to be translated into French. Recent Italian plays were translated, as well as Italian commentaries on Aristotle’s Poetics. By 1550 a group of seven (7) French writers were at the forefront of the art form. They were known as La Pléiade. They created rules of grammar and prose, enriched the French language by inventing new words, and illustrated their ideals in their literary works. They primarily addressed the educated classes. Pierre de Ronsard, one of the principal members of La Pléiade. Image: Wikipedia 2

French Theatre to 1700 (Theatre at Court and Schools pre-1597) The first plays in French modeled on classical forms were written by Etienne Jodelle. He wrote the first tragedy in French, Cléopâtre Captive. Most court plays used a version of simultaneous staging called “dispersed decors.” This convention was much like medieval traditions, in which scenic elements were scattered around a hall instead of concentrated in one spot. French tragedies of this period emphasized the suffering of characters who were victims of fate. French comedies of the time were much like medieval farces. Etienne Jodelle Image: Wikipedia 3

French Theatre to 1700 (Theatre at Court and Schools pre-1597) French playwrights followed classical ideals sporadically. Medieval influence was still potent. Playwrights considered it more important to please audiences than to adhere to classical rules. Among the most characteristic forms of entertainment from this period were court festivals. Catherine de Medici was especially fond of royal festivals which she could use to display France’s power and encourage alliances or reconciliations. This is the origin of the ballet de cour, a form of court theatre which was continued in the 17th century. 4 A French ballet de cour, or “court dance.” Image: http://wikivisually.com/lang-fr/wiki/Ballet_de_cour

French Theatre to 1700 (Theatre at Court and Schools pre-1597) The first full-fledged ballet de cour was the Ballet Comique de le Reyne. It is based on the myth of Circe, who lures men into a life of vice and transforms them into beasts. The action was treated as a moral struggle between virtue and vice, with the King depicted as the deliverer. The play ended with the triumph of reason and virtue, and praise for the wisdom of the kings of France. It was staged at the Salle du Petit Bourbon, which became one of the most important court theatres of the 17th century. A painting of a ballet de cour from the 16th century. Image: http://68.media.tumblr.com/7e100d634852490e3e360f22e38c9121/tumblr_inline_nvl2dw11vS1tu5ouf_500.jpg 5