About
André Antoine, born January 31, 1858 in Limoges and died October 23, 1943 in Le Pouliguen, is a major figure of French theatre. Founder of the Théâtre-Libre in Paris in 1887, he staged over 111 plays, free from commercial constraints and censorship. A pioneer of naturalistic staging, he introduced the concept of the 'fourth wall', authentic period décors, and the use of non-professional actors. He introduced French audiences to Ibsen, Strindberg, Hauptmann, and Tolstoy. Director of the Odéon from 1906 to 1914, he later turned to cinema, directing notably La Terre (1921). Officer of the Legion of Honour, he left memoirs about his theatre.
* 1858-01-28 — † 1943-10-19
Major works
- Mes souvenirs sur le Théâtre-Libre (1921)memoirs
- La Terre (1921)film
- Les Frères corses (1917)film
Key milestones
- 1887Founded the Théâtre-Libre in Paris, a subscription theatre that staged over 111 plays.
- 1906Becomes director of the Théâtre de l'Odéon, a position he holds until 1914.
- 1921Publishes his memoirs on the Théâtre-Libre and directs the film La Terre.
Themes
naturalismstage directionindependent theatrefourth wallcinema
Sources: britannica.com · getty.edu