ODÉON – THÉÂTRE DE L’EUROPE

The presentation of European plays in their original language, with French surtitles, is one of the original features of this magnificent 780-seat hall, which is also largely devoted to the French classical repertoire and creation. Punctuated by jolts linked to the historical events that have marked Paris, the existence of the Odeon has been quite eventful. Inaugurated in 1782 by Marie-Antoinette, the hall was built for the Théâtre-Français troupe - architects Marie-Joseph Peyre and Charles de Wailly. It backs onto the Luxembourg Gardens. The Marriage of Figaro, by Beaumarchais, was created there. The Odéon was closed in 1793 for uncivilization and became a place for political gatherings during the Terror.

Returning to show business, the Théâtre-Français changed its name to Odéon in 1796. During the Revolution of 1830, the Place de l'Odéon was a rallying point for the insurgents. The end of the 19th century was marked in particular by the performances of actresses Sarah Bernhardt and Réjane, as well as by the success of L'Arlésienne, by Alphonse Daudet and Georges Bizet in 1885. The beginning of the following century gave the Second Théâtre-Français two important directors, André Antoine and Firmin Gémier, personalities who greatly influenced the development of dramatic art in our country.

A new change came in 1959 with the arrival of Jean-Louis Barrault at the head of the establishment. In the company of Roger Blin, he mounted pieces by Claudel, Beckett, Ionesco, Duras, Sarraute... In 1965, a ceiling painted by André Masson was delivered. May 1968 arrives and the occupation of the theatre by students in revolt. When it reopens, the theatre is given a new status, that of an experimental and test centre. The Odeon then hosts various shows including those of the Theatre of Nations. In 1971, it became the national theatre and was to focus on "creation and research to promote the progress of national and world theatrical aesthetics. Patrice Chéreau and Antoine Vitez work there, as well as Giorgio Strehler, director of the Théâtre de l'Europe, a structure which is joined to the Odéon National Theatre in 1983. Definitively autonomous in 1990, it is directed by Lluís Pasqual, then by Georges Lavaudant from 1996. After three years of work during which the Odéon was decentralised to the Berthier workshops in the 17th arrondissement, the theatre opened again in 2006. In the meantime, the institution has been assigned these workshops as a second site. The current director is Stéphane Braunschweig. The Odéon, according to his ideal, now aims to be "a theatre open to the world and to the crossroads of generations".