About
Eugène Labiche (1815-1888) was a French playwright, master of vaudeville and comedy of manners. Author of 173 plays between 1837 and 1877, he achieved immense success with works such as An Italian Straw Hat (1851) and The Voyage of Monsieur Perrichon (1860). Elected to the Académie française in 1880, he is recognized for his sense of rhythm and satirical portrayal of the bourgeoisie. His Complete Theatre, published in 10 volumes, attests to his enduring popularity.
* 1815-05-05 — † 1888-01-23
Major works
- Un Chapeau de paille d'Italie (1851)vaudeville
- Le Voyage de M. Perrichon (1860)comedy
- La Cagnotte (1864)vaudeville
- Célimare le Bien-Aimé (1863)comedy
- L'Affaire de la rue de Lourcine (1857)vaudeville
Key milestones
- 1838First play performed at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal.
- 1880Elected to the Académie française.
- 1878Publication of his Complete Theatre in 10 volumes.
Themes
Satire of the bourgeoisieMistaken identities and misunderstaMarriage and conjugal lifeTravels and adventuresMoney and material interests
Sources: academie-francaise.fr · britannica.com · classiques-garnier.com